Soekarno-Hatta airport

Soekarno-Hatta airport

Isn't it about time there was an end to the chaos that greets a traveler arriving at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta international airport? It's not pleasant for a regular user so I have pity for those arriving for the first time, and it's sad that this is their first experience in Indonesia.

What I am referring to, of course, is the need to push your way through the crowds of unofficial taxi touts and the like the moment one leaves the customs area. It's all high pressure stuff, and no simple task, owing to lack of signage to make your way unmolested to the official taxi rank. What's more it seems to be getting worse. Residents know how bad the situation is so instead of suggesting their guests take a taxi, they send drivers or greeters, thus adding to the crowds.

The sad thing is, not only doesn't it have to be like this (check out Surabaya airport, or virtually any other major ASEAN airport), but four or five years ago the system worked well at the international airport. Given the resources available to the authorities I'm sure it would be well within their capabilities to restore some order, and in the process this small change would have a great positive effect on first impressions of Indonesia.

While they're at it, how about setting up a system whereby people arriving who have vehicles waiting for them, can easily transport their luggage to the vehicle in the car park, thus avoiding the present manic "three abreast" scrambling for position which slows down the whole process.

PHILIP RICH

Jakarta