Karim, a professional preman 24 "owns" a prime territory of about 3 square kilometers, in Jakarta, the capital city. Which means he has authority over 76 worker preman. He has the sole authority in this area to provide services generally not provided by the authorities or if provided, inefficiently.
High profile services provided by Karim and his premen include traffic control, parking, riding escort, redirecting people and vehicles during weddings and funerals live-stock recovery and collection for local charities. Less visible services include, allocating sidewalk-space to vendors, real estate for rent or sale, organize efficient deployment of ojeks (motor-cycle taxis), debt collection, organizing demonstrations and providing secret pipelines to cooperative policemen. There are other services provided by Karim and his men for a pay-what-you-feel-like fee. Many preman services are apt for travelers or tourists.
National Customer Services
What exactly are the preman? When asked, most Indonesians say it means, gangster. They reply so good humorously that it leaves you rather skeptical. .Karim scoffed. “Bullshit,”he said. “We are a national customer service organization. The best!” he said thumping his chest.” Better than Bank Mandiri!” he added referring to the largest bank in Indonesia and award winner for “Best Customer Service.”
“We”, he added rising to tip-toe and leaning towards me, “keep this country safe for democracy!” He wiped his forehead exhausted with his vehement defense of the country's preman network.Preman, incidentally are great fans of Rambo.
Traffic Control
Tourists to Java will encounter them soon enough. They will be seen directing traffic at U-turns or channeling traffic from side roads into the main flow. These are vital functions because only sissies give way in Java. Without the preman the economic loss to the community due to traffic gridlocks would be devastating. A police car is always parked close to purportedly to keep an eye on things. Actually it's break time for the cops.
Motorists reward preman voluntarily with a few coins. Preman don't demand payment. You make a contribution according to your means if you know what is good for you in the long run. It is well to remember for the long run that premen have an uncanny knack on being able to assess your means.
If you are driving your own car in Java and wish to park, slow down, move to the side and convey the impression that you are terribly unsure of yourself. Within a few meters a preman leaps to your aid and with a bow and a flourish guides you into a space that seems to be especially reserved exclusively for your convenience. Your car is protected for the duration you are away.
On your return, he guides you out courteously, stops the on-coming traffic and sends you on your way. This superb service will cost you about twenty cents. A tip of ten percent will be received with appreciation. If you are a pretty lady he will even throw a flirtatious kiss in your direction. They have style, these preman.
Travelers' Services
If you are traveling through Java on your own the preman can be of invaluable service. They can assist with high efficient transportation, the best of Indonesian cuisine, sight seeing, tickets to events and personal safety. The services are provided with utmost curtsey, efficiency and with good value for money. You will not be able to get similar services at the Ritz Carlton, Jakarta. Those who may be of service at the Ritz are not in their offices.
If you need preman services you must first locate a suitable preman.Preman directing traffic or parking cars are mostly unavailable for other services. They are specialists. The best way, experienced travelers say, is to hang around uncertainly around a motor-cycle taxi or ojek post. There are many of these convenient located at junctions, bus stops and railway stations.
In a while you will be approached. Don't be put of by a preman's appearance. A preman scorns sartorial splendor. Wiry, sun dried and bleached, it would be instantly obvious that his humble attire had rarely left his presence during the preceding weeks.
He will have the unlikely name of Dedi. As your personal preman he can organize transport and services to anywhere. To American Express or the best roast duck in Jakarta. Name it, Dedi can put a concierge at Ritz Carlton to shame.
Long Distance Services
If however you want to travel from Jakarta to Surabaya., Dedi can arrange it in relays. Dedi himself will take you on his Honda motorcycle to the outskirts, where Suparto (Call me Arto) is waiting with his Yamaha engine running to do the next leg. At the end of Arto's leg, Hosman will pick you up and take to nice clean accommodation at a Kost for just $10 a night with air conditioning. The proprietress, an old Chinese lady that looks like Dolly Patton today, warns you of terrible consequences if you take girls up to your room. Hosman is waiting for you in the morning to take you to a fantastic breakfast of rice and chicken for forty cents. The free flowing hot tea is on the house.
