Pramono Vows to Take Firm Action Against Extortionists Targeting Bajaj Drivers in Tanah Abang

“Yesterday, I watched the video and have already asked Satpol PP and the department heads to take firm action against it,” Pramono told reporters at the Jakarta East City Hall office on Sunday (12/4/2026). Pramono emphasised that there would be no compromise on acts of thuggery. He had no hesitation in addressing thuggery in Jakarta. “There will be no more compromises. As governor, I have no qualms about dealing with thuggery in Jakarta,” he said. From the video circulating on social media, a man is seen approaching a driver inside a bajaj. The bajaj driver appears to be handing money to the man. “Wasn’t it already given earlier?” said the video recorder, who was also a passenger in the bajaj, as seen on Sunday (12/4). “It was already given earlier,” replied the bajaj driver. “Is it like that in Tanah Abang? Given or extorted?” asked the passenger. “Yes, extorted,” said the bajaj driver. The extortion incident is said to have occurred on Friday (10/4). The bajaj driver, who was waiting for passengers, became a target of extortion under the pretext of daily contributions. One driver claimed to have to pay Rp 100,000 every day. The drivers are reportedly often threatened if they refuse to give money, from being shouted at as thieves to facing physical violence. Tanah Abang Police Chief AKBP Dhimas Prasetyo stated that his side is currently investigating the case. Police are coordinating with the sub-district, Satpol PP, and the Transportation Department to conduct patrols in areas prone to illegal levies (pungli). “Currently, officers are still conducting investigations to find the suspects believed to have carried out the extortion. And coordinating with relevant parties such as the sub-district and Satpol PP as well as the Transportation Department to carry out joint patrols in areas prone to pungli,” said AKBP Dhimas when contacted by reporters on Sunday (12/4).