Official taxis at airport

Passengers arriving at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport no longer the have freedom to choose better taxis as they are required to use the ones already parked in front of the arrivals gate. A poster at the luggage terminal even suggests that "official taxis" be taken.

Nevertheless, most passengers are not interested in the "official" cars because of the Rp 10,000 surcharge imposed, plus some drivers demand charter rates. A friend of mine was once charged an exorbitant fare despite the taxi's functioning meter.

Those trying to choose their own taxis are now prevented from doing so by security officers, who occasionally seize passengers' taxi cards, meaning a cost of up to Rp 100,000 to redeem.

Still, compromise sometimes can help. Through a business deal, security men allow the use of other taxis, but their drivers must give them some money before leaving.

A housewife carrying several bags once chose to go by motorcycle taxi just to get away from the airport area and find a taxi outside. When will this international airport allow free taxi operation as now practiced at Gambir Railway Station?

SUGENG HARTONO, Jakarta