Arya News - According to the Indonesian Industrial Estates Association, rampant extortion by rogue mass organisations and thugs has cost industry players operating in Indonesia hundreds of trillions of rupiah.
JAKARTA – The National Police have arrested thousands of suspected gang members in a nationwide operation targeting rogue mass organizations and street crime, amid escalating reports of racketeering and extortion that business leaders say are harming the country’s economic climate.
East Java Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Jules Abraham Abast said that since the start of the operation on May 1 until May 10, authorities arrested 1,475 suspects in connection with 1,198 separate cases across the province.
However, he did not provide further details on the nature of the cases or whether the suspects were apprehended in the act.
“These arrests demonstrate our commitment to eradicating all forms of street crime that disturb public peace. This is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety and well-being of East Java residents,” he said on Sunday.
He added that the police would collaborate with the military, religious leaders and other key stakeholders to strengthen “social resilience” in the province.
“We also urge the public to report any form of criminality to the authorities. Don’t be afraid to speak up, we will address the reports promptly and ensure the safety of those who come forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North Sumatra Police arrested 855 suspects in connection with 753 cases of illegal levies, extortion, harassment and mass assaults as part of the nationwide operation, Tempo reported.
“Of the 855 arrested, 730 have been released after undergoing rehabilitation,” North Sumatra Police chief Insp. Gen. Whisnu Hermawan said on Sunday, adding that the operation would run until May 21.
“This operation is crucial to ensuring sustainable safety and stability in North Sumatra, as well as strengthening public trust in the police institution,” he added.
In Central Java, authorities have arrested 276 individuals allegedly involved in street brawls, illegal street racing, extortion and the operation of illegal parking spots as part of the nationwide crackdown.
“Additionally, we have apprehended 59 street performers and ‘punk’ youths,” said head of operations at the Central Java Police, Sr. Comr. Basya Radyanada, on Sunday.
Basya expressed hope that the operation would strengthen trust among local investors and industry players and could foster a more conducive environment for business growth.
On May 9, National Police spokesperson, Insp. Gen. Sandi Nugroho, announced that over 3,300 cases of gang criminality have been resolved since the police launched a nationwide operation against rogue mass organizations and street crimes.
Sandi said the nationwide operation was focused on addressing cases involving illegal levies, threats, vandalism of public facilities, assault, provocation, defamation, the spread of fake news and hate speech, as well as kidnappings linked to mass organizations.
According to the Indonesian Industrial Estates Association (HKI), rampant extortion by rogue mass organizations and gangs has cost industry players operating in Indonesia hundreds of trillions of rupiah.
Industrial zones have become prime hunting grounds for extortion by these individuals, including in major hubs like Bekasi and Karawang in West Java, Batam in the Riau Islands and in East Java. Extortion tactics usually include coercing businesses into hiring local groups for construction, accommodation and catering services.
Those who refuse face intimidation, vandalism or disruption through forced factory shutdowns or demonstrations paralyzing production. Last month, the construction of a plant by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD in Subang, West Java, was disrupted by individuals from unidentified mass organizations.
Also in the same month, the mass organization GRIB Jaya “sealed” a tire and rubber company, PT Bumi Asri Pasaman, in Barito Selatan, Central Kalimantan, allegedly over claims that the company had failed to pay one of its suppliers.
GRIB Jaya was also involved in a separate incident in Depok, West Java, on April 18, when members of the organization set fire to three operational vehicles of the local police, who were attempting to arrest an individual linked to the group for alleged vandalism.
In response to the growing concerns over rogue mass organizations, the government launched an anti-extortion task force on Monday. Coordinating Politics and Security Minister Budi Gunawan said the illicit practice had become a serious threat to the country’s stability, emphasizing that any disruption to public order must be eradicated because security was the bedrock of both national development and economic growth.
The government has also enlisted the help of the military with commander of the National Military Police Headquarters (Puspom TNI), Maj. Gen. Yusri Yunarto, saying that the military will deploy its intelligence personnel to assist the government in tackling rogue mass organizations and street crimes.