New transport minister calls Soekarno-Hatta airport a mess

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 10/27/2009 11:07 PM  |  National

The new Transportation Minister, Freddy Numberi, did not wait long before making some bold moves to get his portfolio into shape.

Just several days after his inauguration, Freddy harshly criticized the operator of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and removed the head of Kota Station in Jakarta after he inspected the two transportation hubs.

“It’s such a pity. We’re not a poor country and we have many smart people, so why is it that Soekarno-Hatta’s Terminal I is such a mess?” he told the press on Tuesday after conducting an impromptu inspection of the Tangerang airport.

“Next time the toilets must be better and cleaner because they will give foreigners a bad first impression of the country.

"If the toilets are dirty, outsiders will think this nation is unclean,” Freddy told Antara state news

He said the “messy” management of the airport, namely the unclean toilets and scattered cigarette butts, could reflect the “personality of the nation”.

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Carlos (not verified), Jakarta — Tue, 11/03/2009 - 9:04am

I cannot agree more with Minister Freddy Numberi. The cleanliness and appearence of an arrival airport(specially its lavatories) is the strongest impression you can make on a visitor to your country. The second point is the fleet of taxis. Check any airport in Japan and you will see what I mean. Happy Travels!

E. K. (not verified), S.F, CA — Mon, 11/02/2009 - 7:19am

TO MR PATRICK JB...In my opinion, I am referring to any pleasure VULNERABLE travelers including backpackers or business travelers for that matter. And everyone is entitled to his or her choice of transportation. Precisely the point, CALO, exist anywhere in the world's airports.... Believe me I have seen some in JFK, NY (and a story that made headlines recently regarding French tourists who used an unregistered taxi and got a hell of ride); CDG, BKK to name a few...Anyway, my story must have hit a chord since you brought up an issue about Malaysia. In fact I would avoid traveling in a cab anywhere in KL...The meters don't always run, the cab drivers are rude and hassling with the cab fares to any destinations within the city limit. Hopeless!!! Perhaps cleaner, better serviced taxis may have replaced the old taxis recently in KL and then who knows... but certainly KL has never been my point of interest to visit.

PatrickJB — Tue, 11/03/2009 - 12:14pm

E. K. (not verified), S.F, CA, thank you for your view on the Malaysian taxis. I had you in the eye. I will do my part to make the Malaysian Government (Ministry of Transport) to improve the taxi service and fleets. It is true the taxis are a bit worn out and I do agree with you some drivers do haggle about the fares when they feel they are short-changed… maybe. BUT, I stay correct. There isn’t any touts/Calo in Malaysia. Sadly, though Malaysia or KL has never been in your interest to visit in the past; I humbly welcome you to Malaysia to breath fresh air, enjoy nature, feel the hospitality, experience the diverse cultures, and maybe you’ll want to set up a business or make yourself a 2nd home in Malaysia. Welcome to Malaysia. It is truly Asia.

Henry Manoe (not verified), kupang — Sun, 11/01/2009 - 1:47pm

It is not the toilets that make the mess but the people who use them. The best management practices cannot change the habbits of ignorant or lazy people; most of these are our own countrymen/women of course! Look the shocking state public parks and beaches are in after a weekend; disgusting!

Angga B.P (not verified), Yogyakarta — Fri, 10/30/2009 - 8:33pm

Mr. Numberi, I'll be waiting for your move. Maybe five years are not enough to fix the mess of our transportation, but your words really make me a little bit optimistic about this new cabinet, a little bit..

Novitasari (not verified), Surabaya — Fri, 10/30/2009 - 4:46pm

The minister should have inspected the airport few months ago. I think the airport toilets in terminal 2 is much better that few months ago. The airport management has restored some old toilets with the new ones. Or, if we go to the Terminal 3, it's much better. The best idea is to build or to restore the whole airport (terminal 1 and 2). Because they are no longer comfort and not sufficient enough for all growing passengers.

JJ (not verified), Jakarta — Fri, 10/30/2009 - 12:29pm

They have done some really good remodeling in the interior and the toilets in the departure hall are all new. Unfortunately its all a facade as the toilets outside are really bad and the exterior of the buildings need a good redoing. I have actually seen the Airport change over the past 13 years as I am a frequent flyer. It is in much a better state as it was even 5 years ago. It's when getting out of the main terminal and into the reality of the hustle and bustle of highly priced porters and "Taxi Gelap" that visitors have to be very wary about and the smell of stale cigarett smoke that hits your sense of smell, Pak Freddy this is the area most that needs your help. The transportation also is a mess with no proper buses (ok they have Blue and Silver Bird lines) but its a fight to get onto one of those Gamya Buses and they always cramp as many people as possible even with their oversized baggage. The only Good and Nice thing, I have to say about our beloved airport is, It's also a unique airport with its ethnic form which always makes me feel like "I'm Home" whenever we come in for a landing, unfortunately again reality sets in when I get out into the main terminal.

E. K. (not verified), S.F, CA — Fri, 10/30/2009 - 1:13am

To a few of the readers here..I don't know where they get the taxis or porters at the Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International airport. Each time my friends or I travel through this airport, we have never encountered any fuss whatsoever. We are able to walk out from the baggage claim and customs in more or less 35 minutes top. Transportation such as DAMRI airport buses, Blue Bird and Silver Bird taxis are clearly marked. If one doesn't need porters just decline politely. Apparently if you want to take your chances in taking less reputable taxis to downtown Jakarta then it is an invitation for possible problems. Blame one self for not being a smart traveler should something happens. Travelers need to be prepared before they arrive in any destination around the world. Use common sense and for instances being a cheap traveler will definitely compromise his or her safety. Bangkok airport is no picnic either when leaving the customs area as well. I dare to take public taxis in Bangkok from the airport for that matter even if the meter says it is running. I would use the hotel or limousine taxis instead. Believe me, I have seen also less reputable taxis in all over the world both at developed airports and cities. And what about Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris, a very confusing airport indeed where the directions in both French and English are not clearly posted, duty free shops look uninviting, restaurants are rundown. Anyway returning to Indonesia; the new transport minister claims that Indonesia is not a poor country then a major face lift and service improvement would certainly be needed at the Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International airport.

PatrickJB — Sun, 11/01/2009 - 11:04am

Mr E.K, Oh man are you talking about those corporate executives who hardly set foot on the ground when they are on the move? They are chauffer driven or using limousine, walk on red carpet, and pay with plastic card, and in bow tie and woolen jacket. Or those travelers who hitch-hike, with heavy load of back-pack, semi-naked, carry barely enough cash or choose to walk like a camel. I am sure you are referring to the former! Cheap traveler also has the right to have the right treatment. Come to Malaysia, everyone will receive the same treatment. No middleman/tout (Calo) and no such thing as cheap or expensive taxi and there isn’t any illegal taxis. Yes there are limousines. Welcome to Malaysia. It’s Truly Asia!

Cynthia (not verified), Jakarta — Thu, 10/29/2009 - 9:02pm

Finally, someone comes to the right senses. I would send the officers at Angkasa Pura Soekarno-Hatta for a one day toilet training session at Plaza Senayan Mall. I hope it gives them an understanding of what international standard toilets should be like. As a frequent user, i am happy to see the new toilets at Terminal 2. But the standard of upkeep perhaps reflect the professionalism of the current airport management, and as what Mr. Numberi correctly pointed out: a mess. The full-time toilet attendance can't be bothered refilling the toilet paper, or maintain the floor spotless. On the other hand, how could one expect current operator to manage the airport well? They can't even get the toilet right despite increasing fee and crowded commercial space. This is too bad since Soekarno Hatta is one of the best airport i have seen. Maybe it is time to privatize airport operatorship.
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