Dangerous taxi driver

On the evening of June 25, at about 8:30 p.m., I tried to take a Royal City Taxi from my office to my home. After a few minutes, I told the driver to go one way, but he insisted on going another.

Confused, he stopped in the middle of the intersection and finally ran a red light to take the direction I had requested. He then began yelling about the great inconvenience I was causing him and said he could get a ticket for going through a red light.

Seeing that he was furious, I told him to stop the cab so I could get out. By this time, we were in the middle of the highway, so he was reluctant to pull over, but did anyway. I gave him the money for the meter and got out to find another cab.

But, to my astonishment, he followed me out of the taxi, returned my money, and ordered that I get back in. I explained that I could see he was angry and preferred to take another cab. He started yelling at the top of his lungs and then attacked me with a stick about a half meter long and three centimeters thick.

Terrified, I ran into the highway to attract anyone who would stop and assist me. A green bus stopped and the passengers pulled me in, but the taxi driver jumped on the bus in pursuit. I tried to make him take the money and leave me alone, but he refused.

Finally, three policemen came to see what the commotion was all about. One escorted the driver to his car, while the other two tried to find out what had happened.

I was nervous to have the policemen assist me, but these three were polite and extremely helpful. They paid the taxi driver (who demanded more money), then offered to take me home at no charge to make sure I got there safely.

I have shared this story for two reasons: 1) to warn women against riding in taxis alone at night, 2) to express my gratitude for the altruism shown by the passengers of the bus and by the three police officers. I appreciate their taking the time to help a foreigner in trouble.

T. Bond

Jakarta