Intimidation

Intimidation

From Kompas

The decision to buy or not to buy something from a shop or street vendor entirely depends on the consumer.

In the case of street vendors, one can even look, prod and hold the goods closely and put them back if he or she does not like them. It is public knowledge and usual practice.

But some street vendors along Pasar Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta have used intimidation and force to make people buy their goods.

Like many shoppers, we took our time glancing at the goods being displayed by a street vendor there. We had no real intention of buying anything.

The street vendor in question, accompanied by his friends, in turn treated us very roughly and intimidated us.

Fearing trouble, we eventually submitted into their pressure and bought the goods even though the prices were higher than they should have been. The street vendor refused to produce any change in the transaction.

Hopefully other shoppers will take more care in dealing with such vendors.

Name and address

withheld