JAKI Verification Process Updated Following Controversy Over AI-Generated Photo Response to Report

Public Infrastructure and Facilities Handling Officers (PPSU) in Kalisari Ward, Pasar Rebo, East Jakarta, have been sanctioned with a first warning letter following their response to a public report via the Jakarta Kini (JAKI) app regarding illegal parking, using a photo suspected to be an artificial intelligence (AI) fabrication. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government hopes the sanction will deter similar incidents. “The hope is that the sanction will serve as a deterrent and make others afraid to commit similar acts,” said Special Staff to the Jakarta Governor for Social Communication, Chico Hakim, when contacted on Tuesday (6/4/2026). Chico stated that the incident has tarnished the good name and performance of officers who genuinely work in the field. He mentioned this is the first instance of using AI-generated photos to respond to public complaints. “The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government regrets this incident as it tarnishes the good name and performance of field officers who have worked with high dedication and responsiveness to public complaints. The Government Bureau, as the final validator, has acknowledged the error in the validation process. So far, no previous cases of using AI-generated photos as evidence of follow-up actions on complaints have been found,” he said. Chico revealed that many residents have reported various issues through the JAKI app. On average, more than 20,000 reports are received via JAKI each month. “The JAKI app is an important channel for the public to report various problems, including illegal parking. From January to March 2026 alone, more than 62,571 public complaints were recorded through JAKI and the integrated CRM system (an average of 20,857 complaints per month),” he stated. New Verification Steps Chico explained that the verification process for JAKI follow-up reports will be identified by the Communication and Informatics Office. Thus, it will be more accurate and accountable. “The Communication and Informatics Office will assist the Government Bureau in identifying follow-up evidence that potentially uses AI, so the verification process becomes more accurate and accountable. We continue to strengthen the final validation system to maintain the integrity of every follow-up,” he clarified. He appreciated the public for reporting various issues in Jakarta through the JAKI app. He asked the public to continue providing input and reporting all problems in Jakarta via JAKI. “We greatly appreciate the active participation of residents in reporting problems through JAKI. Public reports actually help us maintain the quality of public services. We also urge the public to continue reporting problems and providing input if they find inappropriate follow-up actions,” said Chico. Furthermore, Chico conveyed that Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung is committed to improving services to the public. Through transparency, accountability, and service quality. “The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government under Governor Pramono Anung’s leadership is fully committed to enhancing transparency, accountability, and public service quality to maintain public trust,” he added. PPSU Officer Sanctioned It was later revealed that the uploader of the AI photo was a PPSU officer. Siti, the Head of Kalisari Ward, Pasar Rebo, East Jakarta, was examined by the Inspectorate following the report on illegal parking via the JAKI app responded with a suspected AI photo; she apologised for the issue. “We apologise profusely for this incident. This serves as a lesson for us so it does not happen again in the future. The officer concerned has been given a first warning letter and made a statement not to repeat the action,” said Siti in a statement on Monday (6/4). Siti said the PPSU officer followed up on a public report regarding illegal parking received through the JAKI app. However, in the process, the officer uploaded a fabricated photo as if the location had been cleared and was free of illegal parking. “This action then went viral on social media. I have asked that in future, if there are problems or obstacles in the field, they should immediately report so solutions can be found,” she said. Siti stated that reports of illegal parking in her area frequently occur. Handling is usually done jointly with the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), but in some cases, it is handled by PPSU officers if the report is forwarded to the Transportation Sub-District Office and then back to the ward. “This issue will be discussed together to ensure it does not recur in the future,” she said. She mentioned that currently, there are still four vehicles parked at the location. She noted that two of them are damaged and awaiting repairs at a local workshop. “We request that the Sub-District Office or Transportation Unit carry out enforcement because parking on the road body violates regulations and disturbs other residents,” she emphasised. Head of the East Jakarta Transportation Sub-District Office, Harlem Simanjuntak, said he has instructed transportation officers to conduct field checks. He stated that his side is ready to carry out enforcement in the form of towing. “We are awaiting the results of the ward meeting as this concerns territorial matters. This step must be accompanied by clarity on vehicle ownership responsibility to avoid new issues in the future,” he said.