Extortionists in Kapuk Kamal Become Aggressive if Not Paid, Leading to Quarrels with Drivers

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Illegal extortion practices (pungli) that are widespread in the Kapuk Kamal area, North Jakarta, are said to often trigger quarrels between drivers and extortionists on the spot. One truck driver, Fatih (not his real name), stated that quarrels frequently occur, especially at the point near the Polder Kamal Pump House. He mentioned that the cause is the coercive methods used by the perpetrators when demanding money. According to him, this situation leads many drivers to choose to avoid or even refuse to pass through the Kapuk Kamal route. “Drivers no longer want to, they pull over there,” he said. “It happens often. Yes, the arguments are always with the drivers,” he added when met by Kompas.com on Tuesday. He stated that some drivers even have their windows knocked if they do not give money while passing through. “Yes, sometimes we close the windows too, but they bang on them. We just anticipate it,” he said. Ardi opined that the extortion practices, which involve regulating traffic flow in the area, also do not have a positive impact on traffic. He hopes that the extortion practices in the area can be strictly addressed and eliminated so that drivers feel safer. “What I want is for it all to disappear so it becomes safe,” he added.