What Did Saber Extortion Do To Make Sure You Don't Meet Extortion In The East Jakarta Samsat?

The Saber Extortion Team at one of the Samsat offices in Jakarta, last Tuesday 7 September (Photo via Antara)

JAKARTA - Anti-corruption activist Emerson Yuntho's tweet about the existence of extortion in Samsar, East Jakarta, was widely discussed by the public. The DKI Jakarta Illegal Charges (Saber Pungli) Task Force (Satgas) admitted that it immediately moved as soon as the tweet became a discussion on social media.

The Chief Executive of the DKI Saber Pungli Daily, Kombespol Imam Saputra, explained that his staff had held an inspection at the East Jakarta Samsat office, Monday, September 6. However, Imam admitted that he did not find any extortion like what Emerson had tweeted.

"We also received information in the media and became our reference and immediately carried out surveillance (systematic observations) there. This means that when he said there was extortion there, we immediately followed up on it," said Imam who is also the police auditor, Thursday 9 September.

Imam said they had checked all services in the East Jakarta Samsat. Starting from the registration gate to the filing, the standard operating procedures (SOP) have been set.

"From the results of the inspection and assistance, we ensure that we do not find any extortion. However, we still ask the parties in the field to always remember to carry out surveillance and increase vigilance at critical points that are prone to fraud," said Imam.

Previously, Emerson Yuntho admitted that he had found allegations of illegal levies (extortion) at the East Jakarta Samsat office located on Jalan DI Panjaitan, Kebon Nanas. Emerson told the incident through his tweet on Twitter on Friday (3/9).

At first, said Emerson, he accompanied his wife to pay taxes and renew the five-year STNK for a car plus an annual STNK for a motorcycle at the East Jakarta Samsat. Emerson, who was once a researcher at ICW (Indonesia Corruption Watch), then saw the practice of extortion by unscrupulous officers.

"I also talked with other residents to confirm about this levy. From direct observation and asking residents, at least there are a number of points of extortion practice," said Emerson.

The first alleged extortion was in the physical check process which should have been free. In accordance with Government Regulation (PP) Number 60 of 2016 concerning Non-Tax State Revenue within the Police (Replacement of PP number 50 of 2010), physical vehicle checks are free of charge.

After the check process was completed, Emerson continued, there were officers who were passive (we were given money and received) and some asked for money clearly.

"At least Rp. 20,000, of course without proof," said Emerson.

The second alleged extortion is in the process of legalizing the results of a physical vehicle check.

"The process should be free. However, at the counter, the officers asked for Rp. 20,000 for each document that came in," said Emerson.

Another alleged extortion, he continued, was during the registration process for the STNK renewal.

"A resident gave money to an officer in the amount of Rp. 20,000 because he did not bring a power of attorney from the applicant. The goal is that the process can be continued," said Emerson.

Emerson said he saw it because the person next to him took the money and handed it to officers.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD also responded to Emerson's tweet about the alleged extortion on Sunday (5/9).

"There is still Saberpungli. Which Samsat is it? I ask for the data (it can be submitted directly to me, it can also be via Twitter). You can also go to my office," wrote Mahfud MD on his official Twitter account @mohmahfudmd.