Viral Video of East Jakarta Ojol Driver Begging as Motorcycle Towed, Transport Agency Responds
A motorcycle belonging to an online motorcycle taxi (ojol) driver was towed by Transportation Agency (Dishub) officers in East Jakarta while he was collecting a food order. The driver was seen begging for leniency so his motorcycle would not be taken. In the circulating video, Dishub officers are seen loading several vehicles at the location, including the ojol’s motorcycle. It was narrated that the ojol was picking up a food order. The ojol appeared to plead for his vehicle not to be towed as it was his primary means of earning a living. The driver even climbed onto the Dishub truck. However, enforcement was still carried out because the vehicle was deemed parked in a location violating regulations and potentially disrupting traffic flow.
Head of the East Jakarta Transport Sub-agency, Harlem Simanjuntak, stated the enforcement was conducted in accordance with Regional Regulation No. 5 of 2014 on Transportation. Officers carried out vehicle towing, net-lifting for two-wheeled vehicles, and valve-core removal operations against vehicles violating parking rules. “During the operation, officers took action against five motorcycles parked on the pavement using the net-lifting method,” Harlem said in a statement on Friday (19/6/2026). The enforcement was part of a joint operation held on Wednesday (17/6), involving the East Jakarta Transport Sub-agency, Satpol PP, the Social Sub-agency, and the police.
Harlem explained that one of the penalised vehicles was identified as belonging to the ojol driver whose case went viral. When the vehicle was already on the tow truck, the owner arrived and requested his motorcycle not be taken as it was his primary tool for work. Nevertheless, officers continued the enforcement process. According to Harlem, the decision was made to ensure safety during the loading process and to avoid risks to officers and other road users. “To maintain safety during the loading process and avoid risks to officers and other road users, the vehicle owner was directed to retrieve his vehicle at the East Jakarta Transport Sub-agency Office,” he clarified.
He emphasised that officers had provided an explanation to the driver regarding the reasons for the enforcement. The Sub-agency also acknowledged understanding that the vehicle is the main tool for ojol drivers to earn a living. “We understand the vehicle is the primary means of work. Therefore, officers prioritised a humanistic approach and provided a proper explanation to the person concerned,” he said. Upon arrival at the East Jakarta Transport Sub-agency Office, the vehicle owner was promptly served according to procedure. The driver was asked to write a statement pledging not to repeat the violation, after which he was allowed to take his vehicle back and resume his activities.
Harlem stressed that enforcement is carried out against all vehicles violating parking rules without discriminating based on the owner’s profession, whether two-wheeled or four-wheeled. He said the measure aims to preserve the function of pavements for pedestrians and to create order and traffic safety. “We invite all members of the public to comply with parking regulations for the comfort of everyone,” he stated. Harlem also apologised for the officers’ actions that drew public attention. The East Jakarta Transport Sub-agency pledged to conduct evaluations and coaching for officers so that enforcement is carried out more humanely and persuasively. “We convey our apologies for the actions taken by officers during the enforcement. Going forward, we will conduct evaluations and coaching so that all officers can perform their duties more humanely, persuasively, while continuing to uphold professionalism in serving the public,” he concluded.