Reasons Bekasi Women Extort Garbage Truck Drivers: Unable to Trade Iftar

BEKASI – The police chief of Bantargebang, Kompol Sukadi, has revealed the reasons behind several women requesting money from garbage truck drivers travelling through Gang Lurah, Sumur Batu Village, Bantargebang District, Bekasi City.

He explained that the residential road was previously used by residents to sell food and iftar (breaking-fast) items. However, since garbage trucks began regularly passing through with overwhelming odours, commercial activities ceased.

“Because the road is used by trucks with terrible odours, nobody sells there anymore. The women are asking for money on the road as compensation because they cannot trade,” Sukadi said when reached by Kompas.com on Friday (27/2/2026).

Sukadi also denied reports of requests for Rp 30,000–Rp 50,000 per vehicle or intimidation of drivers.

“Some give Rp 1,000, some Rp 2,000, some Rp 3,000. So there is no request reaching Rp 50,000. Residents say it is whatever people are willing to give,” he said.

However, police emphasised that soliciting money on roads remains unauthorised under regulations.

“The women’s requests for money on the road as compensation for the odours are not permitted and not authorised. That is why I have already called them in and resolved the matter,” Sukadi said.

Sukadi explained that the problem began when the main access road to Sumur Batu Final Disposal Site (TPA) was closed due to a landslide and waste accumulation. As a result, garbage collection vehicles could not pass through that route.

As an emergency solution, vehicles were diverted to the residential road through Gang Lurah. However, this road is not designed for heavy-tonnage vehicles.

He added that before the diversion was implemented, there had been a community meeting between the Environmental Services Agency (DLH) and local residents. Initially, permission was granted for only one week, but it was subsequently extended.

“Initially one week was approved, then it was extended another week, and eventually it has remained until now,” Sukadi said.

To ease tensions, Sukadi said his office had coordinated with Bekasi City’s Environmental Services Department to provide formal compensation to affected residents.

“I have already communicated with the Head of Waste Management Services, Andi Frengky, to provide compensation to the residents in that area. So that this problem can be resolved,” he said.