'I keep alert in taxis all the time'

A woman was robbed last week by three people who entered the taxi she was in, with the connivance of the uniformed taxi driver. The taxi, she said, was from a company of high repute. The Jakarta Post asked residents how they ensured their safety while in taxis.

Tiffany Saerang, 28, is an entertainment industry employee living in North Jakarta:

I usually take a taxi with a well-recognized company identity. As soon as I get inside, most of the time, the driver will lock the doors for security purposes. However, I often unlock it manually for couple seconds, just to make sure that the lock cannot be controlled from the driver side. It means, in case of an emergency, I can open the door anytime by myself.

After that, I send an SMS to my boyfriend with all information about the taxi such as its door number, driver's name and the company's name.

While I'm in the taxi, I never fall asleep but rather make conversation with the driver until I arrive. The first question I frequently ask is: where is your depot?

Fransiska Yossie, 29, is a mother who works at a securities company in South Jakarta:

I avoid riding in taxis alone at night. And when I stop a taxi it must be from a credible company, which provides good service.

When I sit inside, I make sure that no one is hiding underneath the front seat.

And I keep alert all the time, especially when the driver offers alternative routes, which may be different from what I tell him to reach my destination. In this case, I will unlock my door.

A friend of mine suggest that I not hesitate to ask the driver whether or not the taxi is secured, but I think that's a bit extreme.

-- The Jakarta Post