Beware when you hire a new maid

I have read The Jakarta Post and watched TV over the last two weeks about maids stealing things. It seems this crime has been on the increase lately, especially in Jakarta. So I would like to share my bad experience with those who might be looking for a new maid.

I got a new maid on Jan. 30 from my massage lady who is living in Senen. She told me that the girl had been working in a Chinese medicine shop and prior to that, was working as a babysitter in Kelapa Gading. Her name is Muswachidah, or Idah as she is popularly addressed.

Idah started work with me on Jan. 30 and, on Feb. 4, when I was not at home, she stole my money and jewelry items. Together, the loss was about Rp 20 million. She obviously appeared to know where I kept the key to my drawer. However she took only money and small jewelry items so that she could easily pass the security guard at the front gate without arousing his suspicion (she claimed she was going out for a while to make a telephone call at the nearby wartel). I guess she is well-trained and has probably done the same thing to other employers before. She might be looking for another victim in the future.

M.K. LOCH, Jakarta