`Pak Ogah' offer unwanted services<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Traffic jams are not the only problem faced by motorists in
\nJakarta. Another obstacle drivers must navigate is the presence
\nof the so-called Pak Ogah, the people who \"regulate\" traffic in
\nthe hope of a small tip.<\/p>\n
Groups of Pak Ogah can be found at nearly every intersection,
\nT-junction and U-turn in the city, except along the main
\nthoroughfares.<\/p>\n
Some are helpful, but most just make the traffic worse. They
\nblock cars to allow other motorists to enter the street, all for
\na price. Some of these traffic \"regulators\" are pleased with Rp
\n100, while others demand Rp 1,000. In some cases, if motorists
\nfail to pay the Pak Ogah bang on their windows or scratch their
\ncars.<\/p>\n
Even though the Pak Ogah are not armed, most motorists are
\nafraid of them and give them money just to avoid trouble.<\/p>\n
And the number of these self-appointed traffic directors has
\nincreased rapidly over the past several years.<\/p>\n
Riki, 23, has been working at the Gang Nabung T-junction in
\nPalmerah Barat, West Jakarta, for the past three years. He and
\nthree of his friends collect money from drivers for their
\nquestionable help in directing traffic.<\/p>\n
He told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that he usually worked
\nfrom 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.<\/p>\n
\"In one shift, I can collect about Rp 20,000 (US$2.20) from
\ndrivers who require our services in making sure traffic is
\norderly,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Riki said he became a Pak Ogah about three years ago, after he
\nwas unable to find any other work.<\/p>\n
A native of Jakarta, Riki said there were not many options for
\nhim in the job market as he only graduated from junior high
\nschool.<\/p>\n
\"I frequented this T-junction and mingled with the motorcycle
\ntaxi drivers, who then introduced me to the neighborhood security
\nhead,\" he said, adding that it was this security head who posted
\nhim at the T-junction.<\/p>\n
Riki denied that Pak Ogah extorted money from drivers, though
\neven when Riki and his friends are not working traffic generally
\nflows smoothly at this particular T-junction.<\/p>\n
\"It is up to the drivers whether they give us money or not,
\nbut most drivers tip us,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He added that apart from directing traffic at the T-junction,
\nhe also helped provide \"security\" in the neighborhood, which at
\ntimes has led to conflict with other groups of people seeking to
\nprovide neighborhood \"security\".<\/p>\n
\"The last time we were involved in a brawl it was with a gang
\nfrom a nearby neighborhood who wanted to take over this T-
\njunction and assume the privilege of collecting money from
\ndrivers,\" Riki said.<\/p>\n
Riki reasoned that as a native Jakartan he had the right to
\nearn a living in his hometown without any interference.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/pak-ogah-offer-unwanted-services-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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