Viral Video Shows Ojol Driver Pleading as Jakarta Transport Officials Impound Motorcycle

A video showing an online motorcycle taxi (ojol) driver screaming for help as his motorcycle was being impounded by East Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub) officers has gone viral on social media. At the time, the driver was reportedly picking up a food order for delivery. In the circulating video, the ojol driver pleads for his motorcycle not to be towed because he uses it for work. “I don’t have any money, I haven’t earned a single fare since leaving home at 6 a.m., this is my first one, sir. Please… please…” the ojol driver said in the video. Responding to the viral video, the East Jakarta Transportation Sub-agency (Sudinhub) explained that the enforcement operation took place on Jalan Jatinegara Timur, in front of J-Town, on Wednesday (17/6). During the operation, officers impounded five illegally parked motorcycles, including the one belonging to the ojol driver. The vehicle owner was then directed to retrieve his motorcycle at the East Jakarta Sudinhub office. Head of East Jakarta Sudinhub Harlem Simanjuntak stated that the enforcement was carried out to maintain the function of pavements for pedestrians and to create traffic order and safety. “This is because the enforcement aims to maintain the function of pavements for pedestrians and to create traffic order and safety. We apologise for the actions taken by officers during the enforcement operation,” said Head of East Jakarta Sudinhub Harlem Simanjuntak in a press statement.