Currency traders count cost of self-protection

Currency traders count cost of self-protection

JAKARTA (JP): The recent robberies of two money changers that
left a cashier killed and resulted in Rp 760 million (US$47,500)
in losses have awakened currency traders in the capital to the
importance of security.

For years now, many money changers have not guarded their
robbery prone businesses with talented security personnel and
adequate monitoring equipment, such as alarms and video camera
systems.

The large number of new money changer outlets sprouting up
throughout the city to meet increased demands created by the
monetary crisis has created greater opportunities for criminals
to take advantage of poor security.

The two robbery cases, which occurred within two days of each
other, have forced many money changers to focus more on their
security measures.

Some entrepreneurs contacted by The Jakarta Post yesterday
indicated they had decided to hire uniformed police and military
personnel to guard their businesses, which deal with large
amounts of foreign and domestic cash.

Surya Wijaya, an executive of PT Tritama Valasindo which was
robbed Sunday morning, said: "I think we will tighten our
security and probably ask for help from the police.

"We currently have five security guards. But that's apparently
not enough anymore."

He said his office's security camera was not on since it was a
nonbusiness day.

The alarm went off, but people near the office thought it was
a car alarm, he said.

The robbers -- a group of eight men, armed with sickles and
knives -- reportedly made off with a 300-kilogram safety box
containing Rp 700 million in cash.

In a move to increase its security, PT Natrabu Valas Permata
money changer on Jl. Sabang in Central Jakarta has contacted the
nearby Sabang Police office and district military officers to
help keep an eye on its office.

"We may install an alarm or cameras later," said Haryo
Purnomo, the company's director.

The company will also limit the amount of cash in the office
at any one time.

"Before, we might have had tens of thousands of U.S. dollars
and Rp 200 million in the office. But now we won't have more than
$10,000 and Rp 20 million in cash at the office," Purnomo said.

"If a customer needs more money, we will withdraw it from the
bank," he added.

Arsil Moein of PT Ayumas Gunung Agung said that based on his
30 years of experience in the industry, he believed it necessary
for every company to equip itself with a comprehensive security
system.

"We have five well-trained security guards. We are also
cooperating with the city police. Four police officers work here,
all in shifts."

Arsil also said that each of his security guards were armed
with guns.

"I think it's a standard security procedure for running this
kind of business," he said, suggesting that fellow businesspeople
follow such practices.

According to Jakarta Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang,
the city police is ready to assist any businesses in need of
greater security.

"The police will provide free escort to bank or money changer
customers. We have warned people many times that they have to be
very careful these days. Increasing crime is one of the results
of the monetary crisis," Aritonang said yesterday.

Another armed robbery occurred yesterday morning at a house on
Jl. Jatinegara Timur I/6, East Jakarta.

The victim, The Lo Tian, had just withdrawn Rp 127 million in
cash from Bank International Indonesia in Jatinegara at 10 a.m.

"By the time the victim reached his home, four men armed with
guns attacked him and took the money. They escaped on two
motorbikes," Aritonang said, adding that the gang fired once into
the air to clear a path for their escape.

East Jakarta Police are still investigating the case, he said.
(edt)