Blue-Bird taxi driver

Tinam, Mita, Pintor and me, Klinik Baruna, Jakarta, 30 Oct 2016

We, Pintor, Tinam and I chatted together in the co-ass residents room of the Obs-Gyn Department, FKUI RSCM (Dec 1974)

"Nam, does Blue Bird still need taxi drivers?"

"Yes. Who wants to work?"
"It's me"

"Ah, that's right... OK, if you want it, you need to have a General A driving licence (SIM). Later, when you have a SIM, let me know."

I knew it from Gilbert Supartono Sinay, now a neurologist and current Air Force Major, who already drove as a Blue Bird taxi driver. I quickly got an A-General SIM, because of connections from Cinga (cicik tengah) drg. Cathrien Indradjaja, who worked at Komdak-VII.

My Obs-Gyn Department was the last co-assistant residency before I became a medical doctor, 26 December 1973. I asked Tinam, Purnomo Prawiro, director of Blue Bird.

"Pet, come to the BB (Blue-Bird) office, to be tested at 10 am."

I came to the BB office, on Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto. Finally, after waiting for more than 4 hours, at 2 pm, Mrs. Djoko came out with a male employee to meet me. Mrs. Djoko said:

"Let's test drive." 

I drove a BB taxi, accompanied by a male employee and Mrs. Djoko sat in the back. 
Hooray, I passed this driving test conducted by the CEO of Blue-Bird herself !

"When do you want to work?

"As soon as possible, ma'am." , I said glowing gratefully.

"Okay. Tomorrow morning you go to jl. Angkasa, near Kemayoran. Bring this letter."

The next day for three months, from December 1973 to February 1974, I became a Blue Bird Taxi driver.  Blue sky Holden car. I worked from 8 am in the morning up to 10 pm. Because of my enthusiasm, I often asked to work five days a week. I just realized that waiting for 4 hours was a test of patience that a taxi driver must have. I often have to wait a long time when picking up customers. Thank you, Mrs. Djoko.

While driving as a taxi-driver, I met Anjar Asmara (soccer player), tourists from various countries, office workers and several doctors, my teaachers...

Becoming a Blue Bird taxi driver was truly a meaningful and unforgettable experience for me.

please click here at ......  More photos Tinam & friends in Baruna 2016