Give extortionists the boot

Give extortionists the boot

A few days after visiting the Jakarta Fair (PRJ), when I was
going home I was obliged to face Jakarta's usual problem of
transportation. No way to get a taxi (my destination was judged
not far enough by taxi drivers), and therefore the only choice
was to go back by bajaj (small three-wheeled passenger transport
vehicle).

Before the bajaj started up a young man with a menacing
attitude approached the driver. After a few short words were
exchanged, the driver reluctantly gave some money to the
"gentleman." On the way, talking with the driver, I was told that
the "tariff" in PRJ goes up from Rp 200 to Rp 500 (especially
near shopping centers or supermarkets).

I think that this matter is extremely serious if we consider
the extortionists' targets. It's not a matter of some hoodlums
knocking themselves against cars or of some hefty young men
threatening to break car windscreens. Those deeds, although
execrable, can be considered the behavior of some "desperate
people."

What I am reporting is the systematic exploitation of poor
fellows who spend their lives running around Jakarta's streets,
who breathe for hours and hours only polluted air and who, very
often, at the end of the day do not even know how to pay the
bajaj rental. I believe that when extortion reaches such a level,
it is surely supported by a capillary and criminal organization.

As members of society, can we do something about it? Reporting
crimes we incidentally know about will be useful so that the
authorities can take appropriate action.

PIERO RONCI

Jakarta