On Alleged Food Truck Extortion at Alun-alun Kidul, Sri Sultan HB X’s Grandson Demands Firm Action

YOGYAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - RM Gusthilantika Marrel Suryokusumo, grandson of the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) and also the Raja of the Yogyakarta Palace Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, spoke out regarding the viral case of a food truck allegedly becoming a victim of extortion while operating at Alun-alun Kidul, Yogyakarta City, a few days ago.

Commonly known as Marrel, he stated that actions such as extortion in DIY must be dealt with firmly to provide a deterrent effect to those responsible.

"We have communicated with the Yogyakarta City Government, the Police Chief, and the Regional Police; we have already asked them directly to take strict action on this matter," Marrel said on Sunday (22/9/2026).

Marrel admitted he has received many inputs from Yogyakarta residents calling for swift, firm enforcement of such cases, considering Yogyakarta’s reputation as a cultural and tourism city.

"As His Majesty has conveyed, if there is wrongdoing, there should be no hesitation or fear in taking firm action," he said.

"We want to make it clear that from the Palace’s side, we do not want this to happen again and that decisive measures must be taken," he added.

Marrel emphasized that the Yogyakarta Palace does not intend to wash its hands of the alleged extortion case.

However, he explained that people in Yogyakarta need to understand that the authority for enforcement lies with the regency or city level.

"It’s not about washing our hands. If I did, I wouldn’t have spoken at length on social media recently. But fundamentally, we must understand that according to the law, enforcement and regulation fall under the jurisdiction of regencies and cities—not the provincial level, and certainly not the Palace," Marrel explained.

He stated that since the authority lies at the regency or city level, the municipal civil service police units (Satpol PP) must act swiftly and confidently to take action.

"This also requires a clear and firm directive," he said.

Previously, a viral video showed a food truck owner complaining about alleged extortion, with certain police officers reportedly demanding food shares from the food truck operators.

Regarding this statement from the food truck owner, Iptu Dani HS, the Public Relations Officer of Yogyakarta City Police, said that the Police Chief has instructed the Criminal Investigation Unit Head and the Professional and Security Division Head to thoroughly investigate the allegations of extortion.

"Currently, the Criminal Investigation Unit and the Professional and Security Division have deployed teams to the field to conduct a comprehensive investigation and verification, and the process is ongoing," Dani explained on Friday (18/9/2026).

Dani said that if any violations are found, they will be dealt with firmly.

"If violations of the law or Standard Operating Procedures by officers are found, we will take strict action in accordance with applicable regulations," he said.

"So, the team formed by the Police Chief is currently on the ground collecting data. We kindly ask for time to allow the team to carry out their work," he concluded.