Four Extorting Angkot Drivers and Traders in Serang Industrial Estate
The Directorate of General Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimum) of the Banten Regional Police has dismantled an illegal levy (pungli) practice under the guise of cleaning and market management fees in the industrial area of PT Nikomas Gemilang, Serang Regency. Four perpetrators have been arrested in this case.
Banten Police Director of General Criminal Investigation, Senior Commissioner Dian Setyawan, stated that the four arrested suspects have the initials UD (52), SS (38), DS (38), and MT (51). This illicit practice is known to have been ongoing for one year, since July 2025.
“The perpetrators operated by extorting traders and public transport drivers at two points, namely Pasar Jalur C and the Serang-Tambak Highway Bridge,” said Dian on Saturday (11/7/2026).
Dian explained that suspect SS demanded Rp5,000 from market traders every morning and evening. From this action, the proceeds reached Rp1 million per day. Subsequently, suspect UD demanded Rp2,000 from each angkot driver, with an income of around Rp320,000 per day. Meanwhile, suspect MT acted as the coordinator who received deposits from SS and UD.
On the other hand, suspect DS operated independently at the Serang-Tambak Bridge by extorting angkot drivers for Rp15,000 per vehicle. His income reached Rp350,000 per day.
“The motive of the perpetrators was economic. They took advantage of community activities in the industrial area by requesting sums of money unlawfully,” Dian clarified.
From the perpetrators, the police seized evidence including cash proceeds from the illegal levies, waist bags, and a knife. For their actions, the four suspects are charged under Article 482 and/or Article 483 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, with a maximum prison sentence of 9 years.
Banten Police Head of Public Relations, Senior Commissioner Maruli Achiles Hutapea, added that industrial estates are vital objects that must be protected from all acts of thuggery. He also urged the public not to be afraid to report if they find similar practices in the field.
“Banten Regional Police guarantees that every report will be followed up professionally,” concluded Maruli.