Illegal Levies Proliferate in Kapuk Kamal, Truck Drivers Lose Up to Rp 200,000

JAKARTA - The practice of illegal levies in the Kapuk Kamal area, North Jakarta, continues to be rampant, burdening truck drivers passing through the route.

Kompas.com’s observations at the location on Tuesday (5/5/2026) from 09.45 WIB revealed the practice occurring at several points while traversing the area from Cengkareng towards Dadap.

The first point was observed at the junction of the road from Cengkareng towards Jalan Kapuk Kamal Raya. At least three people were seen in the middle of the intersection.

The second point was at the junction of Jalan Kapuk Kamal Raya before the bridge.

One person was seen standing while directing traffic flow.

At that point, he also collected money handed over by the drivers.

One truck driver, Fatih (not his real name), said that illegal levies are frequently encountered at junctions, crossroads, and road descent areas in the Kamal region.

“If you’re unlucky, it can be Rp 200,000 for a single trip, not round trip,” he said when met at the location on Tuesday.

The amounts demanded vary, starting from Rp 2,000 to Rp 5,000 per point.

However, at night, the amount requested can reach Rp 30,000 to Rp 50,000.

Another driver, Ardi (45), stated that the practice does not occur at just one location but is spread across several points along Kapuk Kamal.

He added that although crackdowns have been carried out several times, the illegal levies re-emerge with different perpetrators.

“Caught today, tomorrow there will be others,” he added.