Gerindra Pushes for Digitalisation of Parking in Tanah Abang to Prevent Extortion
Deputy Chairman of the DKI Jakarta DPRD Gerindra Faction, Rani Mauliani, believes that the crackdown on extortionists targeting bajaj drivers in Tanah Abang is still insufficient to address the issue of thuggery. According to her, a sustainable system is needed to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
“The extortion case against bajaj drivers in Tanah Abang serves as a reminder that public order issues cannot be resolved merely through temporary crackdowns. Arresting the perpetrators is important, but ensuring a sustainable prevention system is even more crucial,” Rani told reporters on Tuesday (14/4/2026).
Rani explained that there are several steps that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government could consider to tackle the problem. She stated that the implementation of a digital parking system is necessary.
“Arranging a parking and levy system based on digital technology. Digitalisation of parking is highly relevant. With a non-cash and transparent system, the room for illegal levies can be narrowed. Additionally, transaction data can be monitored directly, making supervision and evaluation easier,” she said.
Rani conveyed that the digitalisation of parking needs to be carried out with a well-organised system and good oversight. According to her, parties who usually manage parking informally also need to be trained.
“In addition to enforcement, there needs to be a coaching approach for vulnerable groups often involved in thuggery, so that there are better livelihood alternatives. Therefore, digitalisation of parking and routine guarding are not only necessary but should be implemented alongside system organisation and consistent supervision. Without that, arresting perpetrators will only solve the problem on the surface, while the practices could re-emerge with different actors,” she added.
Strengthening Oversight by Authorities
Furthermore, Rani said that integrated and routine guarding by combined officers at the location is needed. She assessed that zoning and official pickup points for public transport should be arranged.
“The presence of officers such as the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency and the Civil Service Police Unit needs to be strengthened, not just incidentally. Regular patrol patterns at vulnerable points will provide a deterrent effect as well as a sense of security for drivers and the public,” she stated.
“The Provincial Government can designate official points for bajaj and other transport, complete with signs and supervision. When the space is clear and legal, the opportunities for rogue elements to control areas become smaller,” she continued.
Rani conveyed that synergy and collaboration with law enforcement authorities are also required. According to her, a quick complaint channel through applications or hotlines is needed.
“Synergy with the police is important to ensure firm action against thuggery practices, including if there are networks or recurring patterns. Drivers and the public need easy access to report, for example through applications or hotlines. Quick responses will prevent small incidents from developing into habits,” she explained.
Bajaj Driver Extortionist Arrested
The police acted swiftly to follow up on the viral video of the extortion incident against a bajaj driver in the Blok A Tanah Abang Market area, Central Jakarta. The perpetrator, initialled DP (27), was arrested by the Satreskrim of the Metro Jakarta Central Police Resort.
“The perpetrator has been secured,” said the Chief of the Metro Jakarta Central Police Resort, Kombes Reynold EP Hutagalung, in his statement to reporters on Monday (13/4).
The Satreskrim of the Metro Jakarta Central Police Resort and the Reskrim Unit of the Metro Tanah Abang Police Sector responded quickly to the viral video by directly checking the incident location to gather information about the perpetrator. From the investigation results, the police successfully identified and secured the perpetrator at his rented house.
The perpetrator was then brought to the Metro Tanah Abang Police Sector for further questioning. The perpetrator also underwent a urine test, and the result was negative for narcotics.
Reynold emphasised that his side would not tolerate any form of thuggery in its jurisdiction. Thuggery perpetrators would be dealt with firmly.
“We ensure that every action that disturbs the public, no matter how small, will be dealt with firmly in accordance with applicable law,” he added.
The extortion incident occurred on Sunday, 12 April 2021, around 4:00 PM WIB in the Blok A Tanah Abang Market area, Jalan KH Mas Mansyur, Kebon Kacang Ward, Tanah Abang Subdistrict. In the incident, the victim suffered a loss of Rp 2,000 in cash.
Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations of the Metro Jaya Police, Kombes Budi Hermanto, urged the public to immediately report any disturbing actions through the 110 service.
“The public should not hesitate to report so that we can follow up immediately,” said Budi Hermanto.