Illegal levies at Gambir station

Illegal levies at Gambir station

From Trust

Every weekend I catch the Parahyangan train to Bandung from Jakarta's Gambir station. I get the impression that management of the station -- particularly that dealing with executive and business classes -- has become increasingly messy.

Apart from the ticket scalpers doing business at the station, would-be passengers also pay illegal fees imposed by plainclothes officials. For instance, one must pay double the amount for parking (the normal fee is Rp 1,000 per hour); money must also be paid to unauthorized people in the parking area.

One must than pay Rp 1,500 to gain entry to one of the railway platforms without receiving a ticket or receipt. The official fee is Rp 500.

Scalpers are free to offer tickets to potential passengers and operate right in front of ticket windows. I should think twice before traveling by train if such a messy and uncomfortable condition prevails at the station.

SIDHARTA Depok, West Java