'I'm armed with a can of mace'

A taxi passenger reported to the police last week she had been robbed by a group of three men inside a taxi which she said looked like one owned by a reputable taxi company. The news has renewed concerns over the safety of taxi passengers. The Jakarta Post asked residents how they ensured their safety while taking a taxi.

Kustantiyah, 24, is a receptionist at a language institute in Depok. She takes a taxi if she has to go home late:

I usually do not take a taxi alone, I am always with a friend. Maybe that helps overcoming insecurity. Moreover, the more the merrier.

I have noticed that there are taxi companies, especially those we are unfamiliar with, who tamper with the meter and hire drivers that are not reliable. They drive too fast and are not very polite.

Luckily, I have never experienced this. My friends and I feel that if we choose taxis with friendly drivers, we will be safe.

Sugeng Purnomo, 29, is a public relations executive who lives in Central Jakarta. He takes a taxi to and from his office every day:

I feel secure because I always choose a taxi from a reputable taxi company.

Since I work in the hotel industry, I always take a taxi from the hotel. So far I haven't had any experience riding a taxi with a careless driver. Most of them are disciplined.

And as soon as I sit inside, I remind the driver to lock the doors. After that, I keep my friends informed about the taxi number during my trip.

Esther Rajagukguk, 31, works in an engineering company on Jl. TB Simatupang, South Jakarta. She takes a taxi to work from her house in Cinere, Depok; some 30 minutes drive:

I know it's not safe for women nowadays to travel at night, even if we want to go to the store across the street.

I often have to work late, but luckily I have some friends in the work team who live in the same area as me so we can take a taxi together.

And hey, I'm armed. I always carry my little can of mace spray in my bag. So when I'm alone in a taxi, I always put my right hand inside my bag, so I can reach for the can fast.

-- The Jakarta Post