Items lost

I write this note in order to warn anyone flying into Jakarta. On collecting my luggage at the Jakarta airport not only had each item been searched through, but a mobile phone from one bag is missing and a collection of magazines stolen from another. This is the fine welcome one receives when arriving in Jakarta.

Thai Airlines offers no consolation by reminding me to read the ticket which states that they are not liable for any missing valuables. I suspect this disclaimer is one of incredible convenience when it comes to flights arriving in Indonesia. The ticket also states that one must be careful to lock bags to prevent items from falling out. It should in fact read, "install an industrial strength padlock on all bags, leave no valuables whatsoever inside them as thieving workers at the Jakarta airport will pilfer everything; in fact, to be fully protected travel with hand luggage only."

Along with the general increase in petty crime one wonders why the Indonesian tourist industry is suffering. I guess along with all the other problems in the country, this one will never be looked at. It took more than a decade for airport officials to decide to restrain the assortment of taxi drivers who practically assault you when you enter the arrival hall.

PATRICK SCHULT

Jakarta