Ojek Driver Fights with Debt Collector in Depok After Refusing Forced Motorcycle Repossession

A brawl between a debt collector (known as ‘matel’ or ‘mata elang’) and an online motorcycle taxi (ojol) driver occurred on Jalan Sentosa Raya, Sukmajaya sub-district, Depok city, on Tuesday (5/5/2026). The incident drew the attention of nearby residents as both parties engaged in pushing and punching at the scene. The event was captured in an amateur video by a resident, which subsequently circulated on social media. In the footage, an ojol driver and a man suspected to be a debt collector or DC were seen in a physical scuffle by the roadside. Locals in the vicinity rushed to the location to try to break up the fight and prevent it from escalating further. The DC stopped the ojol driver due to three months of arrears on motorcycle credit payments, according to Made, quoted from Tribunnews. However, the driver refused the vehicle repossession attempt. The situation heated up, leading to mutual pushing and fisticuffs between the two sides. Officers from Sukmajaya police station arrived promptly after receiving reports from residents to secure the area and prevent further developments. Both parties were taken to the police station for mediation, Made stated. The ojol driver also expressed willingness to resolve the payment arrears through the relevant financing company (leasing). Police emphasised that vehicle repossessions on the road cannot be done arbitrarily. There are legal procedures that must be followed by collectors, including mechanisms in line with regulations to avoid field conflicts. Debt collectors are not permitted to seize motorcycles haphazardly by the roadside because legal requirements must be met, Made explained. Police also advised that if similar disputes occur, the public should immediately report to the nearest police station for safe mediation in accordance with applicable legal provisions.