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)