Adventures with 'kartu halo'

On July 20, I called Telkomsel Pusat at 8282811, asking for their nearest branch in the West Jakarta area. They gave me the address and phone number of their branch on the third floor of Mal Taman Anggrek.

I went to Telkomsel Mal Taman Anggrek as recommended, and was entertained by Yuli, the customer service officer, at about 10 a.m. From the very beginning, she appeared very impatient and cynical when I asked questions about my SIM Card (Kartu Halo Telkomsel). What happened was, on the evening of July 19, my kartu halo broke down and the monitor of my cellular phone read "SIM ERROR".

Telkomsel Pusat informed me that I had to replace the kartu halo, as "SIM ERROR" meant it was ruined. She checked and confirmed that it was spoiled and had to be replaced. I agreed and paid the fee at the cashier. She told me that before giving me a new PIN, I had to wait until the new card was activated, however, she did not explain to me how to get a new PIN. She also did not tell me that when the new card is installed, the previous memory, including phone numbers and names, is erased and has to be reentered.

When the new card was activated, I tried to change the PIN. Since I did not know the steps, for the second time "SIM ERROR" appeared, which meant I had to replace it and pay again. If Yuli had previously informed me of the steps to use the new PIN, the new card would not have malfunctioned. I was very disappointed. I therefore called Yuli, who put the blame on me in an unfriendly manner.

I went to Telkomsel in Mal Taman Anggrek again, and this time I asked for another customer service officer. I was aided by another lady, wearing a red jacket, who was very helpful as she taught me how to change my new PIN (using special codes) and other useful information. However, I admitted it was partially my fault, and I was sorry about it.

I have been Telkomsel's client for more than three years and I have always recommended my business partners, friends and relatives to use kartu halo as it has proven to be strong in communication and receives both domestic and international calls.

When I was on a business trip in Malaysia and Canada, I was very satisfied with kartu halo, as I could correspond and receive messages loud and clear and there is no problem with roaming.

SANTOSO N.

Jakarta