Scalpers unfazed by online ticketing

JAKARTA: The use of online ticketing for admission through 61 train stations and 25 railway companies throughout Java has failed to decrease the number of scalpers at Gambir and Senen stations in Central Jakarta.

""The sellers, buyers and operators contribute to the huge number of scalpers in the city. All of them make scalping hard to eradicate,"" said Gambir station head Dwiyana Slamet Riyadi on Tuesday.

PT Kereta Api Indonesian has set a limit of four tickets per buyer in anticipation of the annual Idul Fitri exodus from the city. Ticket purchasers also have to show their identification cards at the ticketing booths.

The state railway company is also selling tickets up to 30 days before the date of departure.

""Usually, scalpers make a profit by taking advantage of the people panicking about not getting tickets on the day they want to leave,"" said Dwiyana.

""There is a plan to increase the number of police officers at train stations 10 days before the Idul Fitri holidays to help decrease scalping,"" said Senen station head Yoesep Bambang.

The heads of both Gambir and Senen station said train operators caught selling tickets could be fired. --JP