Tanah Abang in central Jakarta is one of the biggest, noisiest and most crowded markets in Jakarta, a breeding ground for petty criminals who extort protection money from small traders and everyone else who does business in the area. They stop public buses and taxis that squeeze their way through the crowded streets to collect right-of-way money.

Tanah Abang is only one example of conditions the citizens of Jakarta have been used to for years.