Sudinhub Jaktim Apologizes to Viral Ojol Driver, Emphasizes Motor Never Stopped

JAKARTA - The East Jakarta Transportation Service (Sudinhub) finally spoke up regarding the controversy over illegal parking enforcement that hit online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers in the Jatinegara area and had triggered a commotion on social media.

Sudinhub admitted that there was a misunderstanding that developed in the community and apologized directly to the driver concerned.

Head of Sudinhub East Jakarta Harlem Simanjuntak and his staff visited the residence of the ojol driver named Sulis Agung Wibowo on Saturday, June 20. The meeting was held to explain the chronology of the crackdown that has been widely discussed by the public.

"We apologize for the commotion that arose in the community. We are holding this meeting to explain the actual chronology and convey directly to Mr. Sulis that this incident is being evaluated by us so that the implementation of the crackdown in the future can run better," said Harlem in his statement, quoted Sunday, June 21.

Harlem explained that the order was carried out on Wednesday, June 17, when officers found a number of vehicles parked on the sidewalk in the Jatinegara area. The location is not an official parking area.

According to him, Sulis approached the officers when his motorcycle was already on top of the transport car. Because the transportation process was underway, the officer then asked the person concerned to follow the administrative process at the East Jakarta Sudinhub Office.

At the Sudinhub office, Sulis was asked to make a statement not to repeat the parking violation. After the process was completed, the vehicle was immediately returned without being charged.

Meanwhile, Sulis admitted his mistake for parking his motorcycle not in the right place. He also denied the assumption that his vehicle was detained by officers.

"I admit I was wrong for parking in the wrong place. I went to the East Jakarta Sudinhub office, signed a statement, and my motorcycle could be taken home that day without any cost. I also promise not to repeat it again," said Sulis.

This case was previously in the spotlight after a narrative circulated on social media that said the driver's vehicle was detained by officers during a crackdown on illegal parking. Sudinhub East Jakarta confirmed that the motorcycle had been returned on the same day after the driver completed the administrative process and made a statement.