Car taxing system?

Car taxing system?

I like to regard myself as a model citizen, and I have the
highest regard for Indonesian law and the police force. Imagine
my distress, therefore, when ran afoul of the complex but
laudable 3-in-1 traffic system. In keeping with the purpose of
the regulation, I provided transport for a business colleague who
had a meeting at Wisma BNI on Jl. Sudirman. On exiting the
building, I wished to continue on my journey to Wisma Bank Bali.
Much to my dismay, I could not return directly to Jl. Sudirman
and found myself outside the 3-in-1 system. With an urgent
meeting to attend but with only two of us in the car, I asked a
police officer permission to return to Jl. Sudirman. I was told
the payment for re-entry was Rp 20,000.

My sad story raises some questions, particularly as Rp 20,000
would cover illicit payments for a month to the needy children
used by less law-abiding citizens as their third passengers. Has
the rumored system of taxing cars entering the central business
district begun with the police force winning the mandate? Does a
route exist by which cars can exit the BNI complex and remain
within the 3-in-1 system? If not, can someone with authority
please find a solution to this problem? It would be regrettable
for businessmen dealing with BNI to suffer this daily misfortune,
particularly at a time when the bank is trying to project a
positive image ahead of its privatization.

WILLIAM KEELING

Jakarta