`Pak Ogah' offer unwanted services

`Pak Ogah' offer unwanted services

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Traffic jams are not the only problem faced by motorists in
Jakarta. Another obstacle drivers must navigate is the presence
of the so-called Pak Ogah, the people who "regulate" traffic in
the hope of a small tip.

Groups of Pak Ogah can be found at nearly every intersection,
T-junction and U-turn in the city, except along the main
thoroughfares.

Some are helpful, but most just make the traffic worse. They
block cars to allow other motorists to enter the street, all for
a price. Some of these traffic "regulators" are pleased with Rp
100, while others demand Rp 1,000. In some cases, if motorists
fail to pay the Pak Ogah bang on their windows or scratch their
cars.

Even though the Pak Ogah are not armed, most motorists are
afraid of them and give them money just to avoid trouble.

And the number of these self-appointed traffic directors has
increased rapidly over the past several years.

Riki, 23, has been working at the Gang Nabung T-junction in
Palmerah Barat, West Jakarta, for the past three years. He and
three of his friends collect money from drivers for their
questionable help in directing traffic.

He told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that he usually worked
from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

"In one shift, I can collect about Rp 20,000 (US$2.20) from
drivers who require our services in making sure traffic is
orderly," he said.

Riki said he became a Pak Ogah about three years ago, after he
was unable to find any other work.

A native of Jakarta, Riki said there were not many options for
him in the job market as he only graduated from junior high
school.

"I frequented this T-junction and mingled with the motorcycle
taxi drivers, who then introduced me to the neighborhood security
head," he said, adding that it was this security head who posted
him at the T-junction.

Riki denied that Pak Ogah extorted money from drivers, though
even when Riki and his friends are not working traffic generally
flows smoothly at this particular T-junction.

"It is up to the drivers whether they give us money or not,
but most drivers tip us," he said.

He added that apart from directing traffic at the T-junction,
he also helped provide "security" in the neighborhood, which at
times has led to conflict with other groups of people seeking to
provide neighborhood "security".

"The last time we were involved in a brawl it was with a gang
from a nearby neighborhood who wanted to take over this T-
junction and assume the privilege of collecting money from
drivers," Riki said.

Riki reasoned that as a native Jakartan he had the right to
earn a living in his hometown without any interference.