Corruption-free driver's licenses?
Corruption-free driver's licenses?
Over recent years I, like other expatriates and Indonesian
citizens, have renewed my driver's license at the Traffic Police
Driver's License Center in Kalideres. Each year the process
involved payment of "extra fees" at some point. Middlemen were
often present to "assist" in the process. This year my experience
was very different.
Arriving at the center, I read a sign that prohibited
middlemen. This was enforced by having my documents checked and
my hand stamped at the entrance.
However, the sign, which was most satisfying to read, was the
one I read on every counter window. It said Tidak dipungut biaya
(No fee to be paid). At every stage of the process courteous and
helpful staff did their job and no "extra monies" or
"administration fees" were asked for. This was a refreshing
change for both myself and, I am sure, everyone else applying for
licenses.
Therefore I would like to thank and commend the head of the
Driver's License center for his effort and practical attempt to
stamp out corruption. In this way honesty and efficiency may
gradually replace the dishonesty and corruption of the past.
HUGH COLLETT
Jakarta
Over recent years I, like other expatriates and Indonesian
citizens, have renewed my driver's license at the Traffic Police
Driver's License Center in Kalideres. Each year the process
involved payment of "extra fees" at some point. Middlemen were
often present to "assist" in the process. This year my experience
was very different.
Arriving at the center, I read a sign that prohibited
middlemen. This was enforced by having my documents checked and
my hand stamped at the entrance.
However, the sign, which was most satisfying to read, was the
one I read on every counter window. It said Tidak dipungut biaya
(No fee to be paid). At every stage of the process courteous and
helpful staff did their job and no "extra monies" or
"administration fees" were asked for. This was a refreshing
change for both myself and, I am sure, everyone else applying for
licenses.
Therefore I would like to thank and commend the head of the
Driver's License center for his effort and practical attempt to
stamp out corruption. In this way honesty and efficiency may
gradually replace the dishonesty and corruption of the past.
HUGH COLLETT
Jakarta