The Head of Jakarta’s Transportation Department, Budi Awaluddin, has refuted allegations that his officers solicited Rp250,000 (approximately $16 USD) from online motorcycle taxi (ojek online or ojol) driver, Sulis Agung Wibowo, whose motorcycle was impounded. Wibowo previously claimed officials demanded the money in exchange for the release of his vehicle. Awaluddin firmly stated that no such request was made by any personnel within the Jakarta Transportation Department. The denial comes after Wibowo’s account gained traction, prompting a response from the city’s transport authority. The department has not yet commented on the reason for the motorcycle’s initial impoundment. This incident raises questions about potential misconduct within the city’s enforcement agencies and the treatment of ride-hailing drivers. Further investigation may be needed to clarify the circumstances surrounding the impoundment and the alleged extortion attempt.