Parking fee violations recur

Looking at the extent of parking fee violations committed by various parking managements, the City Council Commission D, urged the city administration on May 14 to revoke the operational license for PT Securindo Packatama Indonesia, a firm managing secure parking lots.

There are many examples of violations disclosed by the councillors. At Kuningan's festival market, Setiabudi building, Duta Merlin complex, Pondok Bambu's Hero supermarket, the parking fees are set at Rp 1,000 for the first 30 minutes and an additional Rp 1,000 for each 30 minutes thereafter. There are also some places charging a single rate of Rp 2,000 for the first hour of parking, irrespective of whether you park for less than 30 minutes or not.

Based on Gubernatorial Decree No. 1698/1999 on parking fees at public parking facilities in the city, the parking fee for a car is Rp 1,000 for the first hour and another Rp 1,000 for each of the following hours, while for a motorcycle, it is between Rp 200 and Rp 500 for a one time unlimited stay.

Some parking management are in financial arrears. They have been subjected to taxes and the parking fees have to follow market regulations.

Over the years, there has been an impression that the city administration doesn't respond quickly to parking fee violations, because it means an increase in regional income.

The attitude of the City Administration and the City Council has raised questions. The City Administration's approach toward parking management is vulnerable to collusion between the authorities and the parking management, which could penalize parking users. It is likely that parking managements could make certain concessions. Protesting legislators are also likely to fall silent and receive a lucrative share. Such dirty lobbying must be abandoned.

-- Warta Kota, Jakarta