It Happened Again: Illegal Traffic Controllers Charge "Service Fees" for Motorcycles Riding on the Sidewalk to Avoid Traffic Jams in Senayan

JAKARTA - A video has gone viral on social media showing several residents acting as "pak ogah" (illegal traffic controllers), charging motorcyclists to use the sidewalk in the Senayan area.

The "pak ogah" appear to be providing a "service" to motorists, allowing them to avoid traffic jams from Jalan Pejompongan towards Palmerah Station or Jenderal Gatot Subroto Street, and then demanding payment.

This action was recorded and uploaded to a video by the Instagram account lutfiagizal. In the video, three people can be seen directing a motorcycle onto the sidewalk and holding out a container for the motorists to collect small change.

"It's happened again. I've already made this viral. Now it's happening again. Charging IDR 2,000, boss. Entering the sidewalk. Violation in Jakarta, IDR 2,000," said the person recording the video on the account lutfiagizal, quoted on Friday, August 8.

According to the uploader, the incident occurred on Thursday, August 7th. The incident of motorcycles demanding payment for using the sidewalk in the same area also occurred in March 2024.

The incident, which went viral last year, was controlled shortly after the video circulated on social media. However, the incident has now recurred.

Responding to this, the Head of the Jakarta Transportation Agency, Syafrin Liputo, stated that he would coordinate with the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP).

"We will coordinate with the Head of Satpol PP immediately," said Syafrin.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Jakarta Satpol PP, Satriadi Gunawan, stated that his team would conduct field inspections and enforce the law at the location.

"We will follow up immediately," said Satriadi.