PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The West Java Provincial Government continues to coordinate with various parties and increase supervision of illegal levies on West Java tourism routes.

This is to provide comfort to tourists during the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year (Nataru) holidays.

Coordination is carried out with the district/city Satpol PP and the police, one of which is by increasing patrols in tourist areas, including the Puncak area, Bogor.

"Coordination continues to be carried out with various parties to prevent the practice of illegal levies on West Java tourism routes so that tourists can enjoy the Nataru holiday comfortably," said Head of the West Java Province Tourism and Culture Office, Benny Bachtiar in Bandung City, Wednesday (12/25/2024).

According to Benny, this is a concern for the West Java Provincial Government considering that West Java has always been a tourism magnet such as the Puncak Bogor, Greater Bandung, Pangandaran, and Garut areas.

"West Java has always been a magnet for tourism, such as at the end of the year, so it must be maintained properly. Don't let the actions of certain individuals tarnish West Java tourism," he said. Previously, there was a viral incident, on Sunday ((12/22/2024), namely a case of extortion involving a jockey or alternative route guide in Cisarua, Bogor Regency.

The perpetrator asked for Rp. 850,000 for a motorbike delivery service to the Tugu gas station.

The victim, who came from Tangerang, Banten, then reported the incident to the Cisarua Police and the perpetrator has been processed under the law with mandatory reporting sanctions and a stern warning not to repeat his actions.

Another incident, there was a beating by three perpetrators against tourists on the alternative route Puncak, Megamendung, Bogor.

The incident began when a tourist's car hit one of the perpetrators, leading to an argument, then a beating ensued.

The victim reported the incident to the Megamendung Police and the three perpetrators were arrested.
The police then conducted an examination of the perpetrator, then the parties decided to resolve the problem through deliberation and peace.

Not tempted

Benny appealed to tourists not only to obey traffic rules, but also not to be easily tempted by offers of alternative route jockey services in tourist areas.

"We appeal to tourists not to use the services of tourism jockeys to avoid being hit with fares. Tourists should follow the directions of the police who regulate traffic," he said.

Benny added, to find alternative routes, tourists have the option of using Google Maps or other applications.

However, looking for alternative routes is also risky, the distance can be further, getting lost because the directions in the application are inaccurate or the potential for friction with local residents who feel disturbed by the sudden traffic jam in their neighborhood.

"So be wise in choosing to queue on the main route, even though it takes a long time, but it is safe because there are many fellow tourists and officers rather than choosing an alternative route with various risks," he advised.