PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - West Java Governor, Dedi Mulyadi emphasized that the act of cutting compensation funds for public transportation drivers in Bogor Regency is a form of thuggery that cannot be tolerated, even though the money that was cut has been returned.

"Thank God, the news is that the money has been returned. But still, it was an act of thuggery, even though it was carried out by uniformed employees or organizational groups," said Dedi via his official Instagram account @dedimulyadi71, Saturday (5/4/2025).

KDM -- Dedi Mulyadi's nickname -- stated that the legal process against the perpetrators will continue. He also asked the West Java Transportation Agency and Organda to trace and thoroughly investigate the incident.

Previously, Dedi expressed his concern over the actions of individuals who deducted Rp200 thousand from the Rp1 million compensation fund given to public transportation drivers.

To that end, he took two firm steps. First, directly replace the money deductions to the drivers. Second, prosecute the perpetrators of the deductions, regardless of the pretext of voluntary donations.

"For those who cut it under the pretext of voluntary assistance, you cannot be calm because I will take legal action. I don't like small money being cut again. I don't like things that are thuggish," Dedi stressed.

According to Dedi, Rp200 thousand means a lot to a family of angkot drivers. Assuming a daily food requirement of Rp50 thousand, the money can cover food needs for four days.

This compensation program was given to 1,322 public transportation drivers in Cianjur and Bogor Regencies. In addition, 463 pedicab drivers in Garut, Cirebon, and Subang Regencies, and 782 delman drivers in Garut, Tasikmalaya, and West Bandung Regencies also received similar assistance.

This compensation is part of the West Java Provincial Government's policy during the 2025 Lebaran homecoming and return flow, namely by temporarily stopping the operation of public transportation, pedicabs, and horse-drawn carriages to smooth traffic. The policy has proven effective.

The policy has proven effective. Data from the West Java Transportation Agency shows an increase in vehicle speed during the homecoming period. For example, the average speed of the Garut-Bandung trip (Limbangan-Malangbong route) increased to 20-30 km/h from the previous 10-20 km/h in 2024. Meanwhile, the Garut-Tasikmalaya route increased to 30-40 km/h from 20-30 km/h.

The policy of public transportation holidays during the homecoming flow also received a positive response from the public. A number of traders around the Puncak Route admitted to feeling the difference directly.

"Yesterday it was crowded, so there was a difference. This year it's smoother. I support the program to give public transportation a holiday so that travelers can be more comfortable," said a trader around the Puncak route.

Similar things were said by other stall traders on the same route.

"The difference is huge compared to last year. It used to be very congested, now it's smoother. There's no severe congestion like last year," he said.