Airport services

Last September I flew from Padang to Jakarta by Garuda. While waiting for my flight, I found the departure hall to be very crowded.

At about 11 a.m., Mandala, Lion Air and Garuda airplanes landed in succession. A little later there came an announcement for Mandala passengers to board their plane through gate one. There was a bit of a commotion as the Mandala passengers tried to get through the gate. While the Mandala passengers were trying to pass through their gate, it was announced that Lion Air passengers should board their plane through gate two.

A little while later, with the departure hall still a scene of noisy confusion, Garuda passengers were asked to board their plane through gate one. After some shoving and pushing, all of the passengers were able to board their respective airplanes and the three planes took off.

Arriving at terminal two of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, I found that the baggage of the Lion Air passengers had been put on a conveyor belt next to the baggage of the Garuda passengers. The monitor, however, said one belt was for a Garuda flight from Batam and the other for a Garuda flight from Solo. Of course, the Lion Air passengers and Garuda passengers from Padang, including me, were confused. The two employees in charge simply kept checking baggage cards and did not try to calm passengers' confusion.

I wonder when our airports will be professionally managed so that passengers can enjoy fast and comfortable service.

SUGENG HARTONO Jakarta