IndoNEWSia – Surabaya | The Surabaya City Government is reinforcing its commitment to tackling illegal parking practices that have long caused distress among residents. The presence of unauthorized parking attendants, known locally as jukir liar, often leads to public discomfort, extortion, and even conflict—particularly around shopping centers and modern retail outlets.
In a recent crackdown, three illegal parking attendants were apprehended in the Pabean Cantikan District on Wednesday (May 14). The following day, Thursday (May 15), a similar operation in Sukomanunggal District resulted in the arrest of 13 more illegal attendants.
Head of Surabaya’s Transportation Department (Dishub), Ahmad Fauzi, emphasized that these operations will not stop here. He stated that Dishub, in collaboration with the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) and the police, will continue conducting joint efforts to establish a professionally managed and orderly parking system.
“We want to ensure that all parking areas in Surabaya are legally and properly managed—for the sake of comfort, security, and legal certainty for the public,” Fauzi said.
One of the main concerns of the city government is working closely with the owners of modern retail stores, as these locations are frequently targeted by illegal attendants. The city is urging business owners to take responsibility by assigning security personnel or dedicated staff to safeguard their parking areas.
Meanwhile, many residents have expressed frustration over the rude and arrogant behavior of illegal attendants. In some cases, public complaints are dismissed or mocked. “It’s just two thousand rupiahs, why are you making a fuss?” one attendant reportedly said sarcastically—ignoring the deeper issue.
But as residents argue, the matter is not about the money. “It’s not the two thousand—it’s about being extorted on your own land, in front of your own store, on sidewalks built with your own taxes,” said a disappointed local. Many believe law enforcement often turns a blind eye, acting harshly toward ordinary citizens but lenient with these well-organized illegal attendants.
This sense of injustice has led to growing public skepticism. “Who’s who—officers or actors? Sometimes the uniform doesn’t symbolize justice—it protects the status quo,” the resident added. People are beginning to feel that the law is no longer a tool for fairness, but rather a means to uphold inequality that benefits a select few.
In response, several retail store owners have pledged to recruit their own staff to maintain order in their parking spaces. However, they also hope the government will remain actively involved in education and oversight efforts to ensure sustainable success.
The Surabaya City Government remains optimistic. With strong collaboration between authorities, business owners, and law enforcement, the issue of illegal parking attendants can be significantly reduced—or even eliminated—creating a safer, more organized public environment.
“When modern retailers hand over their parking lots to illegal attendants, it’s like hiring bodyguards from the underworld. It weakens the store’s image and proves that their so-called modernity is just a hollow facade,” said a community activist.
“This isn’t just about parking—this is about who really controls public space in the city. If they can’t commit to being clean, don’t expect Surabaya to become a clean and progressive city.”
(@/hmz)
