Nine Illegal Traffic Controllers Detained and Assigned to Social Rehabilitation in West Jakarta

JAKARTA — Nine illegal traffic controllers, colloquially known as “pak ogah,” operating on Jalan Latumenten in West Jakarta, have been apprehended by the Grogol Petamburan Civil Police Unit (Satpol PP). The nine individuals have been transferred to social rehabilitation centres to undergo rehabilitation programmes.

The head of the Grogol Petamburan Civil Police Unit, Cahya Melansari, stated that this measure aims to prevent these public order violators from returning to the streets. Cahya explained that the enforcement action was undertaken in response to numerous complaints received from residents and road users who reported significant disruption caused by the pak ogah activities.

“The Grogol Petamburan Civil Police Unit conducted an enforcement operation yesterday against several pak ogah causing public disturbance on Jalan Latumenten,” Cahya said.

Public concern was prompted by the pak ogah’s practice of extortion and unauthorised parking arrangement. Rather than alleviating traffic congestion, their presence was perceived to worsen traffic flow. “They demanded money or arranged illegal parking around Latumenten, which caused congestion,” he explained.

The pak ogah typically engage in such activities during peak traffic hours when vehicle volume is high. “They deliberately exploit the congestion, especially with the Latumenten flyover project ongoing,” he said.

During the two-day enforcement operation, officers apprehended nine pak ogah from the same location. Officers will continue routine patrols at the site to prevent the return of other pak ogah.