Drivers complain about extortion

Drivers complain about extortion

JAKARTA (JP): Minivan drivers plying the Kebayoran Lama-Taman
Mangu, West Java, route are complaining that a group of street
hoodlums have been extorting money from them.

Albert Pohan, one of the drivers, said the extortionists led
by RH Barat, threatened each of the drivers and forced them to
give up Rp 1,500 each every day.

He said the extortion has been going on for almost eight
years. "In extorting money from us the hoodlums often mentioned
the names of certain Armed Forces members, saying that they are
fully backed by these officers," Albert said.

On behalf of his fellow drivers, Albert urged the police and
security officials overseeing the route to take firm action
against the extortionists. (bas)