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