Mon, 21 Jan 2002

People fed up with pickpockets

JAKARTA: Electric train passengers have complained about pickpockets on trains from Bogor to Kota in Jakarta, especially on weekends.

At least six pickpockets are known to push their way through the crowd when trains stop at Pasar Minggu station, South Jakarta. They shout loudly to divert passengers' attention.

By the time they alight from the train, many emptied wallets are scattered on the floor of the train.

"I can't understand why it keeps happening. State railway company PT KAI appears oblivious to the situation. The passengers already have to deal with the terrible service, and on top of that we have to face the possibility of being robbed," said Hari, a passenger, as quoted by Antara.

"Where are PT KAI train guards? Do they get paid only to guard executive trains and leave the common people wretched?"

PT KAI has yet to take any action to minimize pickpockets. -- JP