Police coordinate cross-sector investigation into alleged extortion and illegal alcohol in Kalijodo

The Jakarta Metropolitan Regional Police (Polda Metro Jaya) are coordinating with ministries, agencies, and all cross-sector stakeholders to follow up on reports regarding alleged illegal levies (pungli) and the distribution of alcoholic beverages in the RPTRA Kalijodo area, West Jakarta.

“Regarding Kalijodo, we have received information concerning illegal levies, the circulation of alcohol, and other issues. We will coordinate through Polda Metro Malaysia, the District Police, and the Sector Police to mitigate this information,” said the Head of Public Relations for Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto, in Jakarta on Monday.

Budi explained that this cross-sector coordination is being conducted to ensure that the function of the Kalijodo area is restored to its original purpose of urban planning, namely as a safe and family-friendly public space.

He also reminded that RPTRA Kalijodo has been sterilised since 2016 from various criminal practices, such as drug transactions and the trade of alcoholic beverages, and that the current facilities were built by the government for the comfort of the community.

“Naturally, we will not allow any space for this. Places created by the government to be comfortable for families must not return to being locations with the potential for public order and security disturbances,” he said.

His office ensured that the latest developments regarding the results of mitigation and the handling of alleged legal violations in the area will be communicated regularly to maintain public order and security (kamtibmas).

The North Jakarta Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) previously swept through the Kalijodo Child-Friendly Open Public Space (RPTRA) following allegations of extortion and alcohol parties that went viral on social media.

“We have conducted inspections and collected evidence and information at the location,” said the Head of North Jakarta Satpol PP, Budhi Novian, in Jakarta on Wednesday.

According to Budhi, after communicating with local community leaders (RW), it was found that there are currently no entry fees being charged at RPTRA Kalijodo. Previously, there were allegations of illegal levies amounting to Rp10,000 for motorcycles entering the area.

He noted that while such extortion had occurred in the past, the charge was described as a donation for motorcycle parking while visitors were at the RPTRA, intended for the security of vehicles guarded by local youths in the neighbourhood.

“Except during crowded events, the donation is indeed Rp10,000, from the afternoon until the event concludes,” Budhi added.