Indonesian Taxi drivers hold a highway hostage to find and attack Uber drivers

About ten thousand of Indonesian taxi drivers
have brought parts of the capital, Jakarta, to a standstill in a
protest against transport apps.The drivers say ride-hailing apps
such as Uber and Grab have made it impossible for them to earn a living
in the heavily congested city.Some protesters were seen attacking vehicles and threatening others drivers not taking part in the strike.



The drivers have been joined by bus and "bajaj" motorbike drivers.



Mobile apps like Grab and Uber have disrupted the transportation industry across Asia, and other parts of the world.Taxi drivers say they've been disadvantaged because the apps do not face the same costs and regulations as they do.



'They are destroying us'The
BBC's Rebecca Henschke in Jakarta says Tuesday's protest is far bigger
than similar action taken last week. She said it was impossible to get a
taxi in the city centre.The protesters have blocked roads
outside the parliament, the city administration offices and the ministry
of communication, causing massive traffic jams. Tyres were set on fire
in at least one location.
Commuters have expressed frustration.



"This protest is so
terrible. They really are rude and overbearing. I was very hurt," Dewi
Gayatri, who missed her flight for a business trip, told the Associated
Press."I hope the government protects Uber, because it's so easy to order and cheaper," she said.



The drivers, many of whom moved to Jakarta to work, say taxi price wars have eroded their ability to make a living.



"They
are destroying us," Salahuddin, who uses one name like many
Indonesians, told the BBC. "We pay tax but because Uber uses private
cars they don't. I am fighting for my survival."Ahmad Rahoyo who
operates a bajaj taxi said he used to earn up to 100,000 rupiah ($10;
£7) a day, "but since the apps entered Indonesia just covering my costs
is hard".