Reasons Behind Calya Driver's Reckless Wrong-Way Drive on Gunung Sahari

JAKARTA — Hafiz Mahendra (25), the driver of a black Toyota Calya who drove against traffic on Gunung Sahari in Central Jakarta, has formally been named a suspect after police discovered four sets of different number plates and several suspicious items inside the vehicle.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, 25 February 2026. The car was travelling at speed against traffic and struck several vehicles before finally being stopped by residents and officers.

The Head of Central Jakarta Metro Police, Reynold Hutagalung, explained that the incident began when two traffic police officers attempted to stop the Toyota Calya bearing registration number D-1640-AHB at approximately 17.00 WIB. The vehicle was suspected of using a fake number plate and was stopped for inspection.

However, Hafiz Mahendra instead fled and entered Gunung Sahari Street. He drove against the traffic from south to north, then turned and continued through several intersections amid heavy traffic conditions.

“HM was frightened and fled, then entered Gunung Sahari Street and drove against the traffic from south to north on Bungur Besar Street,” said Reynold.

At the four-way intersection at Menara Bidakara Alfa Land (MBAL), the vehicle continued driving in the wrong direction until it collided with a motorcycle. One woman was reported injured after being struck, whilst one resident’s motorcycle sustained damage. There were no fatalities in the incident.

“I was already driving the wrong way and couldn’t stop; I panicked (being chased by residents),” said HM, according to Kompas TV on Thursday, 26 February 2026.

HM admitted he recklessly fled because he did not possess a driving licence (SIM) and was not carrying a vehicle registration document (STNK).

“Because I don’t have a driving licence and didn’t bring the vehicle registration document, I was frightened of the police. I was afraid of being fined,” he said.

Police identified HM as a resident of Sidoarjo Regency, East Java. He stated that he had recently arrived in Jakarta and intended to travel to Ancol with his girlfriend, having previously come from Karawang.

At the time of the incident, the vehicle contained two women and a toddler. One of the women was identified as HM’s girlfriend, although her status is still being investigated by detectives.