foto: Instagram @ibukotabaru
Recently, cases of extortion or illegal levies have become increasingly rampant in various tourist attractions in Indonesia, and now the news has also hit the Indonesian Capital City (IKN). This news went viral on social media, especially on the Instagram account @ibukotabaru which focuses on the development of the IKN and news about Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan.
Recently, the account shared a video of a visitor who claimed to have experienced extortion while visiting the IKN. In the video that went viral on February 3, 2025, the visitor recounted his experience when he was charged an illegal levy by a parking attendant.
Initially, the visitors were already in the main parking lot, but because it was full, they were directed by security officers to another higher parking area. Upon arrival, they were greeted by a parking attendant in an orange shirt who asked if they wanted to park.
After agreeing, the parking attendant offered an escort service to the core area of the IKN for Rp250 thousand. The car driver, a woman wearing a hijab, tried to bargain.
" Can we offer 200 (thousand)? He immediately got emotional, he said he wasn't selling chilies here. Finally, we decided to just park because we could take the bus for free and it wouldn't be long at the IKN ," he said.
In the midst of this situation, netizens' opinions are divided. Some consider the action as extortion, while others argue that it is an act of the authorities. There are also those who claim to have experienced similar things.
After the video went viral, the IKN management responded. They appreciated the courage of the reporter and promised to follow up on the report. Alimuddin, Deputy for Social, Cultural, and Community Empowerment of the IKN Authority, stated that they would not tolerate extortion practices in any form and would ensure that public facilities were managed honestly.
"We are committed to keeping the IKN clean, fair, and comfortable for all. Anyone who is proven to have committed extortion will be prosecuted according to applicable regulations," he said.
(brl/red)
