Rogue on Pakuan Express

Rogue on Pakuan Express

From Kompas

As a commuter traveling by the Bogor-Jakarta Pakuan Express train, I consider this railway service fairly secure, except for the presence of beggars, who often make passengers feel uncomfortable as they push and shove for money.

On Oct. 8, by the same train, I left Juanda station at 6:26 p.m and was approached by a boy, who asked for money. His "disadvantaged" appearance prompted me to give him some.

To my surprise, the boy then asked me to kiss him, making the other passengers scream and smile. When the train stopped at Jakarta's Kota station, he returned to me. In order to deter him, I stamped my shoe hard on the train's deck.

His response was even worse. He spat on his palm and asked me to clap his hand. Fortunately, a man sitting near me took the boy away. Later the case was reported to ticket officers on the train.

Since the Pakuan Express ticket is fairly expensive, I hope state railway company (PTKA) will do something to prevent such disturbances and ensure passengers' security and comfort.

OLIVIA Bogor, West Java