'If I look confident and brave, everything will be alright'

A taxi passenger reported to the police last week she had been robbed by a group of three men inside a taxi that looked like one 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 in a taxi.

Floureno Milla, 25, is an entrepreneur who lives in Bekasi. She often takes a taxi when she finishes work late:

I always choose a taxi from a reputable company, which makes me feel more secure.

But, when there is no other choice, and I have to take a different taxi, I try to choose one that is not falling apart.

Keeping up a conversation during the ride makes me feel less threatened, since I can familiarize myself, to a certain extent, with the driver.

My friends have given me tips, such as to pretend to call someone, saying I am on the way. But I have never tried it. I feel chatting with the driver is enough.

Rosni Tati, who is on her 50s, lives in Duri Kepa, West Jakarta. She takes a taxi at least twice a month to shop:

I often ask my domestic helper to find me a taxi since it is sometimes more practical than ordering one by phone. I always tell her to choose drivers with a decent appearance.

So far, there has been no problem. As long as I am confident and look brave, it will be all right.

I am not too picky about what kind of taxi I take, but when I take them at night I choose ones from the firms that I know well.

-- The Jakarta Post