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