Double Parking Payment Incident at Blok M Reoccurs, Visitors Become Victims Again

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — The practice of double parking payments has reoccurred in the Blok M area, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. Visitors have once again become victims amid the proliferation of illegal parking attendants operating at several points. This complaint emerged after a video circulated on social media showing the activities of illegal parking attendants in front of a row of shophouses in the area. In the video uploaded by the account @dashcamindonesia, the recorder claims to have already paid for parking but was still asked to pay again at a different location. In response to the report, a joint team from the South Jakarta Transportation Sub-Department (Sudinhub) and the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) descended to the site. At least 10 illegal parking attendants were documented and asked to sign statements promising not to repeat their actions. The Head of Sudinhub South Jakarta, Bernard Pasaribu, emphasised that his side would take firm steps if similar practices occur again. “There are 10 illegal parking attendants who have been documented and given statements to not carry out illegal collections,” said Bernard. Kompas.com’s field observation showed that motorbikes were still parked in front of culinary shophouses and guarded by unofficial parking attendants. One illegal parking attendant, Sara (55), admitted to having been documented by officials but continued her activities. “Yes, just asked for a photo of my ID card, then told not to force visitors to pay (for parking),” said Sara. She claimed she never forced visitors to pay. According to her, the money given is usually voluntary as a form of gratitude.