At the Benteng Kuto Besak grounds in Palembang, a local thug forces a visiting family to pay an illegal nighttime levy. The incident highlights unofficial power dynamics along the Musi River. This fictional tale spotlights the troubling practice of extortion plaguing the community.
The night sky over Palembang is depicted as a dull canvas, with the lights of Jembatan Ampera reflecting asymmetrically on the Musi River waters—beautiful to tourists, dark to those who know the stories behind it. At the Benteng Kuto Besak grounds—often called BKB—there is an uncharted area controlled by Raka, a young man in a worn leather jacket who was once a street child.
Raka once slept under bridges and was beaten by thugs for selling mineral water without 'permission.' Now, he rules illegal parking and nighttime beggars, part of a system grown from neglect. That night, a family from Jakarta arrived in a silver minibus and parked in the area.
Arman, Raka's underling who joined two months ago, approached the driver, Pak Hari. "Bang, nighttime levy. As you like...", he said casually. Confused, Pak Hari showed his official parking ticket. "I already paid the official parking attendant earlier. Here's the ticket", he replied.
Arman paused, then continued, "Different one. This is for security", in a firmer tone. Pak Hari shook his head and refused. From afar, Raka watched. As Arman lost control, Raka approached with heavy, measured steps. The child in the back seat began crying, heightening the tension between the garden lights and the shadows.
This fictional story, set in a city known for pempek and its maritime history, illustrates how power is determined not by law, but by bold intimidation. Practices like pungli reflect social challenges along the Musi River banks.