Police Question Women Allegedly Extorting Garbage Truck Drivers in Sumur Batu

Bekasi – Police have summoned several women suspected of conducting illegal extortion (pungli) against garbage truck drivers passing through Gang Lurah, Sumur Batu Village, Bantargebang District, Bekasi City.

Bantargebang Police Chief Commissioner Sukadi stated that his office has requested clarification from parties allegedly involved in the matter.

“Yesterday I already summoned the community leader, Ibu Haji Gabok, and the women who were said to be requesting money. They were called directly to the police station,” Sukadi said when confirmed by Kompas.com on Friday (27 February 2026).

As a temporary solution, vehicles were diverted to the residential road at Gang Lurah. However, according to regulations, such roads are not intended for heavy-tonnage vehicles.

“The solution required taking the residential road that could be traversed. However, according to regulations, residential roads cannot be traversed by garbage trucks,” he explained.

According to Sukadi, before the route diversion was implemented, there had been consultations between the Environmental Service (DLH) and local residents. Initially, permission to use the road was granted for only one week, but was subsequently extended.

“The DLH came to Ibu Haji Gabok’s house to request assistance in passing through that road for approximately one week. Permission was granted for one week, then it was extended another week, and eventually it has continued until now,” Sukadi stated.

Sukadi revealed that use of the residential road has affected residents’ activities, particularly those selling food and iftar provisions in the vicinity.

Garbage odours from passing trucks reportedly disrupted their businesses.

“But because trucks were passing through and accumulating there, the smell was extraordinary, so eventually no one was selling,” said Sukadi.

He noted that some residents subsequently requested money from truck drivers as voluntary contributions as compensation for the odour impact.

“Those women requested money in a basin. Some gave 1,000 rupiah, some 2,000, some 3,000,” he said.

Sukadi confirmed that the residents requesting money were local residents with no fixed tariff set.

He also dismissed reports that truck drivers were asked for 30,000-50,000 rupiah per vehicle, including allegations of intimidation against drivers who did not provide money.