Investigation into Bolosego Food Truck Extortion Allegations Finds No Criminal Elements
Yogyakarta City Police (Polresta Jogja) have released the results of a comprehensive investigation into the alleged illegal levies (pungli) experienced by the Bolosego restaurant when operating a food truck at Alun-alun Kidul (Alkid) Jogja. The findings indicate that the police found no criminal elements in the incident.
“Based on the facts and information obtained during the investigation process, as well as opinions from criminal law experts, we have concluded that the event does not meet the qualifications of either a minor criminal offence or the elements of extortion,” explained the Chief of Yogyakarta City Police, Kombes Ari Setyawan Wibowo, in a statement on Friday evening (2/10/2026).
Ari explained that this conclusion was reached after conducting a thorough investigation, which included taking statements from at least 17 individuals related to the incident. These included representatives from Bolosego, parking area managers, the Alun-alun Kidul traders’ association, the Yogyakarta Palace (Keraton Yogyakarta), the Department of Transportation, local police officers, and criminal law experts.
The investigation found that Bolosego had officially obtained permission from the Yogyakarta Palace to set up the food truck at Alkid, and the Palace did not charge any fees for this permission. Ari noted that the permission was granted via permit number 076PES/KHP/PHG/SI/Mulud.IX/BE-1960.2006, dated 10 September 2026, signed by Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Condrokirono.
Ari also mentioned that an agreement existed between Bolosego and the parking area managers for a sum of Rp 6 million. Following the one-day operation, communication took place between the parking managers and Bolosego regarding the return of the compensation. Facilitated by the Kraton Police, it was confirmed that half of the compensation, amounting to Rp 3 million, had been returned to Bolosego.
Regarding sanctions, Ari stated that because no minor criminal offences were identified, no sanctions could be applied to the parking area managers. Furthermore, the parking area does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Yogyakarta City Government, meaning local regulations (Perda) cannot be enforced.
“The location is not within the authority of the Jogja City Government for parking management,” Ari explained. He added that the area is part of the Sasono Hinggil grounds, which is Sultanate land managed by an individual under a certificate signed by Gusti Bendoro Pangeran Haryo H. Prabukusumo in 2007.
Finally, the investigation found no elements of extortion. Ari concluded that there was no evidence of coercion through violence or threats of violence, which are required to meet the legal definition of extortion under criminal law.