Passengers love, loath commuter trains
Poor management and a lack of trains provided by the state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) in Greater Jakarta has failed to meet public demand. Only some 226 passenger cars -- in comparison to the expected 260 trains -- are operating daily to serve a total of 450,000 commuters. Some commuters complained about the situation with The Jakarta Post.
Hendi is a small-scale garment businessman in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta. The newlywed husband resides in Jombang, Tangerang, with his wife. He is from Tasikmalaya, West Java and has been living in Jakarta for more than 10 years:
Of course, commuter trains are far from being comfortable as passengers are mercilessly crowded into the shabby electric trains day after day. Diesel-powered trains are much worse than electric ones.
However, despite the bad conditions, I always pay the fare. I prefer to pay the state-owned railway company rather than give a kickback to the train conductors, who take money from passengers on board.
By doing it that way, the money will benefit the railway company instead of individual interests. But as the matter stands, I cannot expect too much for better service on the trains.
The most important thing to remember is that every passenger should be responsible for their own safety. Staying alert for possible crooks is the best way to avoid them I guess.
Diah Astuti, 33, is a civil servant who works in the House of Representatives building. She resides in Sudimara, Tangerang with her husband. She has been using commuter trains for four years:
I prefer electric trains as they are more comfortable and cleaner than the worn out diesel-powered trains. But during rush hour, there is no real difference between the two as they are both always overcrowded.
I know the consequences of riding on overcrowded trains. It's not comfortable and also not safe. As a woman, I have to keep on my guard for any possible crime on the trains.
But in spite of the poor conditions, I always pay for a ticket. I used to buy a rail pass.
But sometimes, when I don't have a pass, and I'm in a hurry, I don't buy a ticket. Instead, I will buy one on board, giving the money to the train conductors regardless of the fact that the money will only go into their pocket.
I would feel sorry for the conductors if I didn't pay them. I know they earn a living that way. Well, it helps them survive.
But sometimes I regret seeing that there are much more passengers riding for free than those who paid for the tickets.
O'om, 18, is a waitress at a restaurant in Palmerah, West Jakarta. She has been commuting on trains for more than five years as she lives in Paja, Rangkasbitung, Banten:
I am so used to taking overcrowded trains that it's hard for me to remember if they're comfortable.
It's absolutely true that the condition of commuter trains is disgusting. But what can I do about it? Complaining about it won't do me any favors, right?
I don't have any choice. If I had my own car or if there was public transportation going to Jakarta from where I live, I would definitely use those ways rather than taking the train.
I can stand taking the train because I am just used to its disgusting condition. The main thing is I can get home fast and cheaply.
Nasrulah is a traditional trader who has been taking trains for years. He lives in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, but his three children and wife live in Jambi, Sumatra:
Getting on a commuter train is not nice at all, especially during rush hour, as everyone is squished into the cars, and there is no room to move. This is a great opportunity for thieves. But I don't have any other choice.
I have to be extra careful, especially on Sundays, as there are so many pickpockets around then. They usually stand next to the exits waiting for prey.
There is no hope that commuter trains will get any better as they have been in the same poor condition for a long time.
-- Leo Wahyudi S