Visitors in Blok M Area Subjected to Illegal Parking Fees: Rather Than Argue, They Have Become Accustomed to It

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The practice of illegal parking fees in the Blok M Square area, South Jakarta, is considered to be continuing because many visitors choose to pay rather than argue with those managing the parking in the area.

One visitor, Restu (28), said that this condition makes it difficult for the practice of additional levies to disappear, even though it has been widely highlighted.

“Because visitors definitely need parking and usually don’t want to argue. So, this kind of practice continues to thrive because everyone has become accustomed to it,” said Restu when met at Blok M Square, Thursday (14/5/2026).

According to him, so far the parking area in Blok M Square has seemed chaotic because there are many people managing vehicles, both in the parking area and around the shops and restaurants.

Restu admitted that he had once been asked for additional money after being helped to get his vehicle out of the parking area.

“Yes, there are additional levies. Usually, after being helped to get out of the parking area, they ask for money. Even though it should be paid at the exit gate, because I only used a ticket to enter,” he said.

According to Restu, the implementation of a non-cash system should make parking management more transparent because all transactions are automatically recorded.

Another visitor, Rian (37), also complained that there were still people asking for money in the parking area even though visitors had paid officially at the exit gate.

“Indeed, they don’t force it openly, but it makes you uncomfortable if you don’t give. It should only be parking at the exit gate, but there are still people asking for more inside,” said Rian.

He admitted that he eventually gave Rp 2,000 because he was worried about causing a commotion or his vehicle being damaged.

According to Rian, visitors also often have difficulty distinguishing between official staff and people managing parking because many do not wear clear attributes.

“So, as a visitor, you become confused, is this actually a public area or are there special rules. Because there are many people standing around managing parking, in the end, as a visitor, you just comply so as not to argue or be afraid that something will happen to your vehicle,” he said.