West Java Police Chief Orders Crackdown on Extortion and Unofficial Parking Charges During Eid Holiday

Bandung – The West Java Regional Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Rudi Setiawan, has instructed his officers to take action against perpetrators of illegal levies (pungli) and unauthorised parking charges should they occur during the 2026 Eid holiday period. He emphasised his desire to ensure tourists can holiday with safety and comfort.

He noted that several tourist destinations in West Java are expected to be crowded with visitors during the Eid holiday. Consequently, the potential for misconduct by certain individuals must be anticipated.

“I have asked the Criminal Investigation Unit to anticipate unauthorised parking charges and entrance fees that do not comply with regulations at tourist sites during the Eid holiday,” he said on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

He stated that surveillance must be conducted actively by police officers in the field, particularly at tourist destinations. In this way, tourists holidaying will feel safe and comfortable.

“We must not allow members of the public who want to enjoy tourism to feel disadvantaged because of unfair charges,” he said.

He acknowledged that he will coordinate with the local government and tourism facility managers to ensure nothing prejudices tourists. His office will not hesitate to take action if illegal levies are discovered at tourist locations.

“If anyone carries out charges outside the established regulations, we will certainly take action in accordance with applicable rules,” he said.

He also urged the public to report to officers immediately if they discover practices of illegal levies whilst sightseeing.