Insecure Argobromo train

Insecure Argobromo train

From Media Indonesia

On Feb. 22 three of us took an Argobromo executive train to Surabaya. We boarded carriage no. 6 and our seat numbers were 6A, 6B and 6C. The train left Gambir station at 8:05 p.m.

Towards the end of the journey, we were told that the train would soon arrive at Surabaya. We hastened to collect our bags from the baggage rack. To our great shock we found our handycam, its battery charger, two handycam batteries, two cassettes and a pocket camera had all gone missing.

When I reported this to the conductor, he simply told me to report this theft at the station. I learned from him that there were no security officers on board the train.

Our impression was that to people working for the railway this was nothing out of the ordinary. Is this standard operating procedure? In retrospect I am surprised that the railway company didn't announce to passengers -- whether directly or indirectly -- that there were no security officers during the night journey.

Was this announcement deliberately omitted so that passengers would be caught off guard, or was there some collusion between members of staff on board the train and the thieves?

The state railway company, PT Kereta Api Indonesia, must pay more attention to this issue and show some responsibility. May this unfortunate theft not recur to other passengers.

BAMBANG SUTIYONO

Jakarta