'I always pray before getting into a taxi'
A woman reported to the police last week that she had been robbed by three men inside a taxi owned by a reputable taxi company. The news has renewed concerns over safety for taxi passengers. The Jakarta Post asked residents what precautions they took when taking a taxi.
Lia, 30, is an employee of a property consulting firm in Central Jakarta. She lives with her husband in Ciputat, South Jakarta. She takes a taxi almost every day to and from her office:
Frankly, I'm afraid that one of these days it will be my turn to be robbed. That's why I'm very careful in choosing a taxi. I'd never pick taxi company I'm not familiar with even when I'm in a hurry.
I also try to catch a taxi with a friend. Luckily, I have several friends who go the same direction as I do. So I usually share a cab with two or three of them and we split the fare. Beside being safer, it also works out cheaper for each of us.
However, if it's late I order a taxi to pick me up, believing the company will send the best taxi it has.
Santi Maya, 25, is an employee at a public relations company in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. She lives with her family in Karawaci, Tangerang:
I take a taxi when I work late. I haven't had any problems since I always order a cab by phone. I think an ordered taxi can be trusted. The taxi usually comes not long after I order it.
Personally, I'm not that bothered by the recent robberies. I don't think there is any need to worry about my safety if I take precautionary measures by taking a brief but careful check of the taxi's interior before getting into the taxi. It's easy to confirm the driver's identity in a taxi belonging to a reputable company.
Of course, I always pray for my safety before getting into a taxi. It makes me feel safe.
Lanny Pohan, 36, lives in East Jakarta and works in the marketing division of an insurance company. She often takes a taxi from work or other places in her daily activities:
I only take taxis from three taxi companies that have a good reputation. I might take other taxis when accompanied by friends.
When I get into a cab, I always check the driver's identification and lock the doors right away.
I never feel scared taking a taxi even if I'm alone.
-- The Jakarta Post