Online Taxi Driver's Obscene Behaviour Towards Passenger Ends in Pleas for Mercy

A 54-year-old online taxi driver in West Jakarta, identified by the initials ARA, has been accused of molesting a female passenger and was seen begging for forgiveness as he was handed over to police.

The incident went viral on social media after residents detained the driver. In circulating video footage, the suspect ARA is seen crouching and surrounded by an angry crowd.

Residents appeared furious with the taxi driver, who is alleged to have made physical contact with the victim.

As he was escorted to be handed over to the police, the middle-aged man was heard repeatedly pleading for mercy. He even knelt before someone to beg for forgiveness.

The victim has filed a police report over the alleged sexual harassment. The case is being handled by the Women and Children Protection and Trafficking in Persons Eradication Unit of the West Jakarta Police.

“Yes, that is correct. We have received the report. The report relates to an indecent act,” said West Jakarta Police Public Relations Head AKP Wisnu Wirawan.

Based on information gathered, the report was filed on Thursday afternoon, 6 August. The taxi driver, identified by the initials ARA, has been named a suspect and is being held in the West Jakarta Police detention facility.

“The case has been elevated to the investigation stage, and the suspect has been detained,” he said.

Suspect ARA has been charged under Article 414 paragraph (1) letter b of the Criminal Code. Police have urged the public to contact the police call centre 110 or the nearest police station if they experience or witness any disturbances to public security and order.