Jakarta Legislator Calls for Crackdown on 'Pak Ogah' for Worsening Congestion

Jakarta — A member of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Hardiyanto Kenneth, has urged authorities to act decisively to crack down on ‘Pak Ogah’, saying that their illegal traffic control practices not only exacerbate traffic congestion but also endanger road users. He told reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday that Jakarta’s worsening congestion is not only caused by high vehicle volumes but also by the proliferation of ‘Pak Ogah’ at several intersections and roundabouts, including in the Grogol Petamburan area in West Jakarta. Kenneth said the ‘Pak Ogah’ phenomenon is no longer a mere social problem but has become a public-order disturbance directly affecting motorists’ safety and traffic flow. Known as Bang Kent, he explained that ‘Pak Ogah’ routinely stops vehicles abruptly, signals inconsistently with traffic lights, and forces drivers to pay, which in turn worsens congestion that has become a chronic issue in Jakarta. He emphasised that traffic management is the official remit of authorities such as the Dinas Perhubungan and the Police, which have training and legal responsibilities. When this function is taken over by those lacking competence or legal protection, the risk of conflict and accidents becomes very high. He urged the Jakarta Provincial Government to take firm yet humane steps to address the issue. His proposed measures include routine, measured enforcement by Satpol PP in conjunction with the Dinas Perhubungan to patrol hotspots where ‘Pak Ogah’ operate, especially roundabouts, unsignalled intersections, and access roads to the capital’s main routes. There should also be optimisation of traffic engineering, as many ‘Pak Ogah’ arise from gaps in the traffic system, such as illegal U-turns or intersections without clear regulations. The Government should review road design and add signage, barriers, or official officers at critical points. In addition, a social-behavioural approach and guidance are needed, as enforcement alone is not enough; authorities should collect data and direct them to mentoring, job-training, or public works programmes so they have legal and safer sources of income. Drivers should also be educated not to give money to ‘Pak Ogah’, as such payments reinforce their presence on the streets. Kenneth emphasised that Jakarta, as a metropolitan city, must ensure the safety and comfort of all road users. ‘Public safety is the top priority. There can be no tolerance for activities that could lead to accidents and congestion. The government must present concrete, firm solutions while maintaining a humane approach,’ he said.