Thug's Extortion of Bajaj Drivers in Tanah Abang Ends Behind Bars
A man’s extortion attempt against bajaj drivers in the Tanah Abang area of Central Jakarta ended with him behind bars. The perpetrator has now been secured by the police.
The actions of the man, later identified by the initials DP (27), went viral on social media. The police immediately investigated the case.
Tanah Abang Police Chief AKBP Dhimas Prasetyo stated that his team coordinated with the district office, Satpol PP, and the Transportation Department to conduct patrols in areas prone to illegal levies (pungli). The extortion occurred on Sunday, 12 April 2021, around 16:00 WIB in the Blok A Market area of Tanah Abang, Jalan KH Mas Mansyur, Kebon Kacang Ward, Tanah Abang Subdistrict. In the incident, the victim suffered a loss of Rp 2,000 in cash.
“Currently, officers are still conducting investigations to find the suspect believed to have carried out the extortion. And coordinating with relevant parties such as the 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).
From the circulating video, a man is seen approaching the driver inside the bajaj. The bajaj driver appears to hand money to the man.
“Didn’t you already give it earlier?” said the video recorder, who was also a passenger in the bajaj, as seen on Sunday (12/4/2026).
“Earlier, yes,” said the bajaj driver.
“Is that how it is in Tanah Abang, Bang? Given or extorted?” asked the passenger.
“Yes, extorted,” replied the bajaj driver.
The incident is said to have occurred on Friday (10/4). The bajaj driver, who was parked, became the target of extortion under the pretext of a daily contribution. One driver admitted to having to pay Rp 100,000 every day.
The drivers are said to often receive threats if they refuse to give money, from being shouted at as thieves to facing violent actions.
Spotlighted by Pramono Anung
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung highlighted the extortion action. He emphasised that perpetrators would be dealt with firmly.
“Yesterday I saw the video and I have asked Satpol PP and the department heads to take firm action against it,” Pramono told reporters at the Jakarta East Mayor’s office on Sunday (12/4/2026).
Pramono stressed there would be no compromise on acts of thuggery. Pramono did not hesitate to address thuggery in Jakarta.
“No more compromises. So thuggery in Jakarta, as governor, I have no hesitation about that,” he said.
Perpetrator Arrested
The police successfully arrested the perpetrator with initials DP (27). The perpetrator was apprehended by the Satreskrim of the Metro Jakarta Central Police Resort.
“The perpetrator has been secured by us,” said Metro Jakarta Central Police Chief Kombes Reynold EP Hutagalung in his statement to reporters on Monday (13/4/2026).
The Satreskrim of the Metro Jakarta Central Police Resort and the Reskrim Unit of the Metro Tanah Abang Police Sector responded quickly to the viral video by directly checking the incident location to gather information about the perpetrator. From the investigation results, the police identified the perpetrator and secured him at his rented house.
The perpetrator was then brought to the Metro Tanah Abang Police Sector for further questioning. The perpetrator also underwent a urine test, with negative results for narcotics.
Reynold emphasised that his side would not tolerate any form of thuggery in their jurisdiction. Thuggery perpetrators would be dealt with firmly.
“We ensure that every action that disturbs the public, no matter how small, will be dealt with firmly in accordance with applicable law,” he added.
Perpetrator’s Confession
To the police, the man with initials DP (27) said he extorted bajaj drivers in Tanah Abang for household needs. The extortion money was used for his child and wife’s needs.
“The perpetrator’s confession is for his child and wife’s needs,” said the Head of Public Relations of the Metro Jakarta Central Police Resort, Iptu Erlin Sumantri, on Monday (13/4/2026).
Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations of the Metro Jaya Police, Kombes Budi Hermanto, urged the public to immediately report any disturbing actions via the 110 service.
“The public should not hesitate to report so we can follow up immediately,” said Budi Hermanto.