Extortionists in Kapuk Kamal, North Jakarta, Operate in Groups, Five People per Point
JAKARTA — The practice of illegal levies (extortion) in the Kapuk Kamal area, North Jakarta, is said to be carried out by several people operating in groups at various road points.
One truck driver, Ardi (45), stated that one extortion point is not run by just one person, but by several in a group.
“One point can have four to five people. Especially at the Kamal roundabout near the water pump. Sometimes up to six people,” said Ardi when met by Kompas.com on Tuesday (5/5/2026).
“No, just one person. The one asking is one person, but they work together, taking turns,” he added.
He mentioned that the practice is spread across many points along Kapuk Kamal, especially at road intersections.
“The problem is that those people aren’t just one or two. At every junction,” he revealed.
A similar account was given by another driver, Fatih (not his real name).
“It’s per vehicle, indeed per person,” he told Kompas.com.
According to Fatih, this situation makes the extortion practice in the Kapuk Kamal area difficult to eradicate entirely.
“Yeah, it won’t be possible, it’s always there, mushrooming. (If one is caught) sometimes the underlings change,” he said.
Nevertheless, he hopes the practice can be regulated because it heavily burdens drivers.
Based on Kompas.com’s observations at the location on Tuesday (5/5/2026) starting from 09.45 WIB, extortion practices were seen at several points while traversing the area from Cengkareng towards Dadap.
The first point is at the junction from Cengkareng towards Jalan Kapuk Kamal Raya. At least three people were seen in the middle of the intersection.
Every time a truck wants to turn or pass towards the Lingkar Luar toll entrance, they extend their hands towards the driver’s window.
The second point is at the junction on Jalan Kapuk Kamal Raya before the bridge. One person was seen standing while directing traffic flow, as well as receiving money from drivers.
Meanwhile, the third point is at the junction in front of the Kamal Polder Pump House. The pattern is similar, with the perpetrator taking money from passing drivers while directing vehicle traffic.