To Prevent Extortion, DPRD Member Proposes Cashless Parking in Tanah Abang

JAKARTA - A member of Commission C of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Hardiyanto Kenneth, has condemned the widespread extortion experienced by bajaj drivers in the Tanah Abang area, Central Jakarta. In particular, illegal levies (pungli) disguised as parking fees in the area often demand exorbitant rates of up to Rp 100,000. “This clearly harms the small people who depend on their livelihoods there, and it cannot be allowed to continue. Tanah Abang is a strategic area, so it must be free from such unseemly practices,” Kenneth stated in a written release on Monday (13/4/2026). As a solution, he advocates for the implementation of an official cashless-based parking system throughout strategic areas in the capital, including Tanah Abang. With a cashless system, all transactions will be recorded digitally, minimising the occurrence of illegal parking. “If we already use an official cashless parking system, everything will be easier to control and distinguish. Which ones are truly official and which are illegal can be immediately identified. There will be no more excuses for arbitrarily collecting money,” he explained. He also highlighted the habit among market-goers of still using cash transactions in the market area, which opens the door to illegal parking practices. “If cash is still used, it’s hard to differentiate. Someone could claim to be a parking attendant when it’s actually illegal parking. But if it’s cashless, everything must go through the system. Anything outside of that, we consider illegal parking and it must be firmly addressed,” he said. He also demands firm action from law enforcement officials to eradicate extortion practices in Jakarta. “This is not just an ordinary violation, but it has veered into thuggery. Satpol PP, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Transportation Agency, along with the police, must take action, conduct routine patrols, and penalise perpetrators to create a deterrent effect,” he stated. Kenneth also urged the DKI Jakarta Satpol PP to tighten supervision at points vulnerable to being controlled by illegal parking attendants in Tanah Abang. According to him, Satpol PP plays a crucial role as the frontline enforcer of regional regulations and guardian of public order. “Satpol PP must be more active in cracking down on illegal parking and ensuring that only official parking operates. If anyone collects fees outside the system, it must be immediately addressed on the spot,” said Kenneth. As a long-term measure, he hopes the government can promptly reorganise parking in the Tanah Abang area to avoid pungli and extortion. “We want bajaj drivers and the public to feel safe, with no more unclear pressures or levies. This is about siding with the small people,” he added.