Scalpers earn more under new test system

JAKARTA (JP): A new computerized system used in tests for all diving license applicants has failed to meet its target as many of the computer-illiterate applicants prefer to use the service of scalpers, an officer said on Friday.

"They (the applicants) even confused the computer with a typewriter or a television," Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Nurfaizi told reporters.

The applicants, he said, preferred to spend extra money by asking scalpers scattered around the Driver's License Processing Unit on Jl. Daan Mogot in West Jakarta to help them obtain the licenses through illegal ways by bribing the officers in charge.

Nurfaizi, however, did not explain whether or not his officers had done something to reject the application forms of those who already failed the test but still used brokers to obtain their driving licenses.

He also did not reveal what his officers were doing to stop the mushrooming number of scalpers, who at least double the official price to bribe officers, and who in turn issue the driving licenses, including to those who fail the written theory test.

Nurfaizi only said that the current problem was "normal" as the newly-introduced test system had just been started.

He promised to publicize the new system at the Driver's License Processing Unit to allow the public to be more familiar with the method prior to applying.

The new computerized system was inaugurated on Monday by Nurfaizi, and will only issue driving licenses to those who are qualified.

"The system has been an obsession for a long time, but it's only now that we're able to introduce it," he said.

Replacement

With the system, applicants are required to answer all 30 questions in the theoretical test, each of which appears on a monitor for only 30 seconds. Currently, the system has 40 computers for an average 600 to 800 applicants per day.

Under the new system, anyone who looses their driver's license can easily get a replacement by reporting to the information kiosk at Jakarta Police Headquarters on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta.

According to Jakarta Police traffic chief Col. Nyoman Sukesna, applicants who wish to obtain a driver's license have to pass a test on theory using a special computer program.

Sukesna earlier told reporters that he could not guarantee that the new system, initially intended to make applicants follow official procedure in obtaining a driving license, would eliminate scalpers.

"I can't deal with every single one of my men," Nyoman said.

He said that all the equipment for the system had been funded by Nurfaizi. He, however, did not mention where the police chief obtained the money.

In late March, a traffic policeman, who refused to be named, distributed to reporters copies of a report which revealed that several top Jakarta Police officers, including Nurfaizi, collect a portion of the illegal fees exacted for obtaining or extending driver's licenses for both private and public transportation vehicles.

National Police chief Gen. Rusdihardjo once vowed to investigate the report, but so far there has been no announcement from his office about the progress of the investigation.

For many years, the Driver's License Processing Unit has been a favorite spot for scalpers, including housewives, those attired in police uniform and people who profess to be reporters, offering services to bypass the time-consuming tests.

They usually charge applicants twice the official price of Rp 52,500 since they have to share the extra money with officers.

But many applicants, ranging from illiterate people to the well-educated, opt to use their services. (08)