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)