As an iconic trade center in the city, Pasar Baru, Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta, should guarantee the safety and comfort of its visitors as the main priority. Unfortunately, this priority is not fulfilled. And in reality, thugs are rampant in the market, acting as parking attendants who are charging the visitors with high parking fee.

They do not look like parking attendants, but more like thugs. They asked Rp 15-20 thousand per hour per car and Rp 5-15 thousand per hour per motorcycle

Those parking attendants are wearing security as well as Transportation Department uniforms. What is worse, they were drunk when they asked for parking fee to visitors. As a result, many visitors are fretful and scared to park their vehicles in Pasar Baru.

“They do not look like parking attendants, but more like thugs. They asked Rp 15-20 thousand per hour per car and Rp 5-15 thousand per hour per motorcycle,” said Chris (28), Pasar Baru visitor, Wednesday (4/23).

Chris admitted that he had an argument with the parking attendant since he was asked for Rp 15 thousand even though he only parked his vehicle not more than 30 minutes. He eventually asked for parking receipt.

“I gave the parking attendant Rp 5 thousand. But with alcohol breath, he persevered asking Rp 15 thousand. Then, I asked for parking receipt and he gave it, it’s only written Rp 1,500. When I complained, the parking attendant said just pay what he asked if I want my car save,” told Chris.

Responding this matter, Sawah Besar Sector Police Chief Comr. Shinto Silitonga stated that his party has yet received report about thugs acting as parking attendants in Pasar Baru. Even so, his men are ready to take action against those parking attendants if they were proven disturbing the visitors.

“Indeed, there is no report yet from the public at the time being. If anybody was asked for money forcefully with threats, please report it to us so we could control it immediately. We are ready to cuff them if we received report,” he asserted.

According to Silitonga, the thugs acting as parking attendants in Pasar Baru can be charged under Criminal Code Article 368 on extortion, especially if the report was supported with evidences and witness.