"The so-called ojek or Gojek has come into existence to offer services to the public as the people need it. We need to underline this," President Jokowi said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The online-based "ojek" or motorcycle taxi service is now needed by the people, and a transitional regulation is required for its operations before the countrys mass transportation system is established, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated.

"The so-called ojek or Gojek has come into existence to offer services to the public as the people need it. We need to underline this," President Jokowi noted here on Friday.

The president remarked that it should not happen that the operations of the online-based ojek service, which is now needed by the people, are stopped as such a regulation will disadvantage the public at large.

"The implementation of a regulation should not harm the interests of the people. No person should be disadvantaged. Actually, who is the one who makes the regulation?" the president questioned.

He stated that the online ojek service can remain operational as long as it is required by the people, and its transitional regulation should be created.

"I do not think there is a problem. We can make a transitional regulation for its operations until we have improved our mass transportation system. The people will naturally make their choices," Jokowi pointed out.

The president hoped that innovations, such as the online Gojek service, which is an application created by the younger generation, would not be discouraged. He said innovations should not be curbed. However, the Transportation Service and the Ministry (Transportation) must offer guidance to ensure the safety of passengers.

On the occasion, the president also spoke of his plan to summon the transportation minister over the ministrys plan to ban the operations of the online ojek service.

"I will summon him this afternoon," he added.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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