Numerous Motorcyclists Ride Against Traffic in Meruya Ilir, West Jakarta; Satpol PP Officers Face Verbal Abuse While Intercepting Them

JAKARTA - Incidents of riders travelling against the flow of traffic are rampant on Jalan Meruya Ilir in Srengseng, Kembangan, West Jakarta. Based on observations at the location at 5:00 p.m. WIB, many riders were seen travelling against traffic from Kebon Jeruk towards Kembangan. Initially, the motorcyclists travelled from the direction of Kebon Jeruk, then took the middle lane in the U-turn area heading towards Kencana Tower. Some of them headed to workshops along the roadside, while others went towards Jalan Jomas and Jalan Sanggrahan. The motorcyclists deliberately sought shortcuts to avoid traffic jams and queues caused by the traffic lights at the intersection. Additionally, they aimed to save time by not having to make a U-turn at the intersection, even though it endangered other road users. While Kompas.com was at the location, two Satpol PP officers from Srengseng sub-district were on duty. One of the officers was tasked with deterring the motorcyclists violating traffic rules and directing them to the correct lane. Dede Wahyudi, one of the officers on standby in the area, said he always guards the U-turn area every evening. “This is indeed an obligation every afternoon for Satpol PP to carry out traffic management, where there are U-turns, T-junctions with traffic lights, placed to prevent things that disrupt public order and tranquillity,” said Dede when met by Kompas.com at the location on Friday (24/4/2026). According to Dede, the violating motorcyclists intentionally ride against traffic to arrive quickly and avoid getting stuck in the congestion on Jalan Meruya Ilir Raya towards Kembangan. Dede regrets this behaviour because it is considered dangerous to themselves and other road users. “They want to arrive quickly but don’t think about the risks, they just cut across to the middle; if suddenly a fast vehicle comes from the other direction, it’s dangerous, it could cause an accident,” said Dede.