This was a funny scene in Lombok last Tuesday morning. As we headed out of Senggigi, we passed a load of motorcycles and vehicles parked up at the side of the main road, their disconcerted-looking drivers sitting around as if they were waiting for something, while others were making rapid turnarounds. Immediately around the corner, we found out what it was all about –
a police checkpoint –
and the word had spread fast. We were stopped and we duly presented our legal documents, followed by that certain feeling of smugness when the cop acknowledged that everything was in order and sent us on our way.
Immediately around the next corner were hoards more vehicles, bemos, bikes and drivers, clearly all without the appropriate documentation and unable to proceed further without getting busted. The only alternative route into and out of Senggigi is a very long one indeed. Were these people really planning to just sit it out all day until the cops went home?
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