“Feels Bad If I Don’t Give”: Illegal Parking, Voluntary but Compulsory Payments

JAKARTA - The phenomenon of illegal parking attendants continues to occur in the Blok M area, South Jakarta, even after a crackdown on these attendants was carried out a few days earlier.

That night, on Thursday (2/4/2026), around Blok M Square, a row of motorbikes filled the roadside in front of culinary shophouses.

The shop lights were still on, visitors came and went, and in between, several parking attendants stood waiting.

There were no written tariffs. There was no direct request. Yet, money still changed hands.

One rider handed over Rp 2,000 after his motorbike was helped to be pulled out.

Another rider gave money even before being asked, as if it had become an unwritten habit.

The phrase “feels bad” was repeated from one visitor to another. It was not an obligation, but it felt like a social necessity.

Bima (27) also experienced something similar. He often only realised the presence of the parking attendant when he was about to leave.

“Well, they suddenly appear to guide from behind. It feels bad if I don’t give, so I just do it spontaneously,” he said.

On the other hand, that feeling was mixed with discomfort.

“Actually, it’s quite disruptive,” said Rafael.

However, he added, there was another reason that made him still give.

“Maybe because there are few job opportunities,” he said.