Soldiers at train station, is Indonesia at war?

If you have a chance to visit Indonesia, someday, and decide to travel by train, please do not worry if you see appearances of a soldier (s) in the station.

There should be no critical issues that will enforce Indonesia to go at war, at least for now and the next few years. Indonesia's political situation has been very stable as well as internal security. Of course, you may have heard about few several separatist actions in several places but that should not be too troublesome for our armed and police forces to handle.

The appearances of few soldiers in civil places such as train stations are not uncommon. They act as a backup for and support the civilian train officers only.

One of the reasons behind the usage of armed force members is bases is simply because they give "deterrent" effect to the passengers. I meant their stern look will surely frighten naughty passengers from doing unlawfully behaviour.

Besides, their attendance provides will make sure passengers to be more discipline. In the past, to even make passengers queueing in front of ticket counters was quite difficult. Many passengers took chances created by the lack of guards at the station to travel without pay.

This situation had forced Indonesia Train Company to call for outside helps. Unfortunately, since Indonesia was also lack of policemen and women, the available source to get such sort of guard was only armed forces.

Regularly, few members of army soldiers are assigned and posted at several train stations to provide help. They will do what internal train security officers usually do like helping passengers in need. The soldiers assigned for this bring no armaments with them. Only their uniforms show they are soldiers but actually they do civilian jobs.

Even until now, when the discipline of passengers have been improved, thanks to the change of system, their existences can sometime be seen at train stations, sometimes.

So if so see them in their green uniform  please do not be afraid. They are friendly and really helpful.