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Jakarta Post

Letter: I was extorted at Terminal 3

On Oct

(The Jakarta Post)
Mon, November 9, 2009

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Letter: I was extorted at Terminal 3

O

n Oct. 29, a friend and I arrived at Terminal 3 of the Soekarno-Hatta airport to board a domestic flight to Bali. After our suitcase had been scanned we were asked to open it by a security guard. Inside the suitcase was a bottle of gin, which had previously been opened at home.

It was as safe and secure as the bottle of mouthwash, which we had previously opened and was also packed in our suitcase. We were told we could not take the gin with us because it was prohibited.

We asked why because alcohol was not listed on the very public notice at the security check illustrating what were prohibited substances and goods.

I have traveled around the world and on many domestic flights and often had alcohol in unopened and half full bottles in my luggage and never before told that it was prohibited.

The security guard went and consulted another security guard who came and likewise informed us that we had to hand over the bottle of gin.

Again we asked why and were told it was "policy". We said we were not aware that this was the case.

He went and got another security guard who again told us that we could not take the bottle with us and that he was required to confiscate it.

Again we asked why, and were told it was "policy". Again we pointed out that neither the very public poster nearby said anything about alcohol not being allowed in a person's luggage, nor were we aware, as members of the public, that a change of regulations had been introduced. We got the same response: It was "policy".

And then the words we were waiting for. Of course he could be of assistance to us if we paid him Rp 100,000. I was all for pouring the gin over his head. My companion, equally annoyed but more experienced in these matters, said he would not pay more than Rp 50,000.

The security guard agreed to this rate of extortion and indicated to my companion that he accompany him to the concealed area where body searches take place so that the bribe could be handed over out of sight of the public gaze.

At Bali airport we consulted three different authorities at three different locations in the airport and asked about this "policy". At the information desk, at the airline's desk and from a group of security officials we received the same response: There is no such policy. Clearly if this is the case there is a scam going on at Terminal 3.

I am with those reasonable people who want to see corruption eradicated at all levels of society.

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