Illegal Parking in Jakarta: Disorder and Unlawful Levies Continue Unabated

Jakarta, Indonesia — The practice of illegal parking remains a widespread issue across various streets in Jakarta. Although it has been frequently scrutinised and subject to multiple enforcement operations, the problem is considered far from resolved and has become a routine occurrence at numerous locations throughout the capital.

According to Rio Octaviano, chairman of the Indonesia Parking Association (IPA), this situation demonstrates persistent disorder in parking management in the field. Rio explained that one of the primary issues frequently triggering road chaos is the presence of poorly managed illegal parking.

Illegal parking not only disrupts traffic flow but also gives rise to unclear levying practices. According to him, addressing illegal parking should not be regarded merely as an administrative violation.

If treated only as an administrative infraction, such practices are likely to continue recurring in the field. “So far, illegal parking is often considered just an administrative violation. But when we look at how it actually works in the field, there is often an element of coercion or unclear levies. This should potentially be categorised as extortion,” Rio said.

Rio also believes that addressing illegal parking requires involvement of law enforcement authorities to provide a deterrent effect. If handled only by competent administrative agencies, enforcement operations are unlikely to produce significant change.

“If it is simply handled by the transport department, enforcement action is usually just administrative. After going viral or being subject to an enforcement operation, a few weeks later it can reappear at the same location,” he said.

According to him, this condition is also part of the broader issue of public space order in Jakarta. He believes that there are already regulatory instruments granting authorities the power to take action against such violations.

“Pavements are clearly designated for pedestrians. If they are used outside their intended purpose and disrupt public order, the Civil Service Police should be able to take immediate action,” Rio said.

For this reason, Rio believes that addressing illegal parking and other public space violations requires more consistent enforcement of regulations. Without firm and sustained action, such practices are feared to continue emerging at various locations throughout Jakarta.