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