Avoiding potential hassle down the road
Avoiding potential hassle down the road
HIGHWAY robbery has come to mean much more in Jakarta recently than being woefully overcharged for a trinket by a sidewalk vendor.
Road safety in the capital once covered dodging the mine field of potholes in the city streets, or eating the dust of Michael Schumacher wannabes.
Sadly, it's not so simple anymore.
They may still be small fry in comparison to the crimes and misdemeanors played out on the streets of New York, Los Angeles and many other of the world's major cities, but Jakarta's outrages have garnered plenty of attention, splashed prominently across newspapers and TV news reports.
Forethought and planning are your best defense in taking either a short trip across town, or embarking on the longer haul of a trek across country.
PRIVATE VEHICLE: Keep informed about what is happening around the city.
Newspapers are helpful in gauging a day-to-day view of the situation, but electronic media are your best bet for the most immediate up-to-the-minute picture of what is happening. Who can forget the outstanding public service provided by radio stations, one in particular, in keeping frightened Jakartans apprised during riots in May last year?
Draw a mental map in your mind of known and potential hot spots.
It is only common sense to steer clear of notorious sites of unrest, such as Central Jakarta neighborhoods where community warfare is a daily occurrence. Consider asking advice of a police officer on areas where only fools would rush in. Much maligned though it may be, the police force is inevitably your best source on trouble areas.
Keep in mind that violence has an inevitable tendency to spread.
Unrest restricted to point A just an hour ago could well be enveloping point B and point C as you pass on your not so merry way.
If it is not an emergency and you are unsure of the security situation, why take the risk? You might get to your destination in one piece, but the mental anguish and potential dangers are probably not worth you arriving with your nerves shattered.
Ensure that your vehicle is properly secured.
Check that windows shut firmly and doors lock securely. Keep conspicuously expensive or flashy items out of clear view. Yes, they are your possessions to do with as you wish, but desperate times lead to desperate acts. Is it really worth inviting attention and potential problems?
If you are really worried about the situation, consider investing in powerful car alarms to scare off undesired attention. For other security systems not necessarily condoned by law, seek advice from people in authority. Remember the consequences of using them, both for others and to your person.
RENTAL CARS: Think quality. Search for the most reputable agencies, ones who back up their claims with hard facts.
If it seems that Joe Rental is winging it by using the extra family car to earn a little extra moolah, he probably is. Bid a polite but firm adios. Again, it's not worth the potential hassle down the road.
Quality car rental companies, such Golden Bird and Indorent, have the experience and know-how to help you with your choice of rental.
TAXI: Put succinctly, all blues are not the same shade. Yes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but that conspicuously blue sedan cruising the city streets could well be a shady impostor for the noted -- no plug intended, but think birds, people -- which stakes its reputation on quality. Two people found that to their cost when they took taxis from near the Jakarta Stock Exchange in November.
Don't feel compelled by circumstance or overzealous security guards at shopping malls to take a taxi you do not want. If you want to avoid the breast-beating from passed-up drivers, walk out to the street to get the cab you want. You are the passenger and it is your right.
And if miffed Mikey tries a little passive-aggressive posturing by sidling up next to you and trying to stare you down, walk on down the street and ignore him. He should get the message.
Even with the noted firms, check if their identity cards are in place. If they are not, the cab is dirty or you just do not like the look of things, don't take it. Trust your instincts -- they will usually serve you well. (Bruce Emond)