A viral video showed a blockage at the Rawa Buaya toll exit in West Jakarta, allegedly by a group of 'Pak Ogah' for illegal levies, leading to the arrest of six men by police. However, the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency clarified that the closure was an official traffic management procedure to reduce congestion. Local authorities are now tightening surveillance to prevent exploitation of the situation.
A widely circulated video on social media showed three people blockading the Rawa Buaya toll exit route to Jalan Outer Ring Road in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, using water barriers and chains. One person was squatting by the roadside, while two others stood as if directing vehicles. The video sparked public outrage online, suspected to be an illegal levy (pungli) action by 'Pak Ogah' that harassed drivers and clogged traffic.
Metro Jaya Police responded swiftly. On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, a joint team arrived at the scene and arrested six individuals allegedly involved. Head of Public Relations for Metro Jaya Police, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated, "Regarding the viral video related to the alleged six 'Pak Ogah' blocking the toll exit access, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the joint team visited the location and carried out the arrest and securing of six people." Police seized cash and cell phones as evidence, then took the suspects to Cengkareng Police Station for further examination. The investigation continues to uncover each role and possible similar networks elsewhere.
However, the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub) provided a different clarification. Dishub Head Syafrin Liputo explained that the toll exit closure during morning rush hours was an official procedure to avoid severe congestion on Jalan Outer Ring Road. "The closure of the Rawa Buaya toll exit during morning rush hours is because that toll exit causes severe congestion on Jalan Outer Ring Road," Syafrin said on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Typically, the closure runs from 06:00 to 11:00 WIB, and it is now being evaluated to 07:00 to 10:00 WIB in coordination with the West Jakarta Transportation Sub-District Office (Sudinhub).
West Jakarta Mayor Iin Mutmainnah, who inspected the site, confirmed that the chains and water barriers were assets of Sudinhub. "Yes, yesterday it was indeed closed by Sudishub," she said. To prevent 'Pak Ogah' from exploiting the situation, surveillance has been tightened with Sudinhub and Satpol PP personnel. On Thursday at 16:30 WIB, the chains were opened, though congestion still stretched 1 kilometer from the Cengkareng intersection to the Duri Kosambi-Rawa Buaya flyover.
This case highlights the tension between official traffic management and potential exploitation by unauthorized parties, serving as a warning against pungli practices that endanger road users.
