Extortion by ex-convicts

Extortion by ex-convicts

From Warta Kota

Stories such these have been reported in the media recently
where passengers of Patas (air-conditioned express buses) serving
the Ciputat-Kota, Blok M-Kota and Lebak-Kota routes are extorted
by so-called ex-convicts.

"We don't want to impose on you, but we need money to return
to our hometowns and stop committing crime in Jakarta. A thousand
or two rupiah will surely not make you poor," say these men.

Normally working in threes, one would "request" while the
other two guard the exit doors. Most passengers, especially the
women, usually comply with their wishes.

Unlike street musicians, these men are often rude to the
passengers.

From my colleagues' and my experience, these men usually board
the bus at Benhill and alight at the BNI building in Losari,
while those who get on at Harmoni, get off at the National
Monument.

Probably out of fear, the bus conductors and drivers remain in
silent disregard.

Shouldn't passengers who are paying a Rp 3,000 fare on these
buses receive better security?

I would like to know what the Jakarta Police chief has got to
say regarding this matter.

ALBERT MANIK

Jakarta