The Five MOs of Extortions in Tanah Abang

From Tempo, Monday, 19 August, 2013


EMPO.CO, Jakarta - Established by Dutch tycoon Justinus Vinck in 1735, the Tanah Abang Market has evolved into purportedly the largest retail business hub in Southeast Asia. Vick, upon securing a permit from Abraham Patram, the then Governor General of the Dutch Indies, transformed the area into an exhibition site for textiles and groceries.

In 1973, former Jakarta Governor Ali Sadikin decided to construct four blocks of buildings at the market following the continued rise of trading activities at the market.

But as the wheel of business keeps turning inside the market, another “business” is also thriving outside the market’s buildings, as thousands of street vendors packed the market’s sideways trying to make a living. These vendors are paying various illegal charges to survive.

According to the Jakarta Police, there are five types of extortions at the Tanah Abang Market:

1. Timer charge

Public transports passing the area must pay a sum of Rp500-1,000—each group of extorters gain around Rp1,500,000 on a regular day.



2. “Tribute” of stall owners

Owners of stalls located in strategic areas must pay a monthly tribute—totaling Rp30 million from all owners.



3. Illegal parking

Hoodlums are charging an extremely higher parking rate of Rp10,000 per hour from the normal Rp2,000.



4. “Toll road”

Each passing car must pay for a “faster road”, otherwise the cars will get scratched.



5. Vendor security service

Ruffians are controlling their own areas and collecting fees for security services.



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