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