Anti-Thug Task Force Government’s Response to Thuggery in Society
Jakarta – The government has taken firm steps to deal with the rampant thuggery in society by forming an Integrated Task Force (Satgas) for Handling Thugs and Disturbing Mass Organizations. The formation of this Task Force is a strong signal that the state is present in maintaining order, enforcing the law, and creating a sense of security for all levels of society.
The Chairman of Indonesia Police Watch (IPW), Sugeng Teguh Santoso, welcomed the government’s policy. He considered the formation of the Anti-Thug Task Force to be a concrete step in controlling acts of thuggery carried out by a number of mass organizations (ormas).
“IPW supports the government’s steps to maintain security and public order through firm, fair, and impartial law enforcement,” said Sugeng.
Sugeng added that the statement by the Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam) Budi Gunawan reflected the government’s firm stance in dealing with thuggery that hides behind the name of mass organizations.
“Law enforcement officers must not lose to groups of thugs who disturb the community through extortion, blackmail, intimidation on social media, and illegal land acquisition. This must be eradicated so that social order is maintained,” he said.
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan himself emphasized that the government will open a public complaint room to handle cases of thuggery quickly and appropriately. He appealed to the public not to hesitate to report if they find acts of extortion, extortion, or intimidation from certain groups.
“We will not tolerate mass organizations or individuals who act outside the legal corridor, force their will with violence, or disrupt social order. The state must be present to provide a sense of security and guarantee freedom of activity,” said Budi Gunawan.
He added that this Task Force will not only take action, but also invite the public to be actively involved in creating a peaceful and conducive environment.
“The complaint channel that will be prepared by the government will be a participatory bridge between the community and law enforcement officers,” he added.
Similar support came from Member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Abdullah, who expressed appreciation for the government’s concrete steps. He said that the formation of the Task Force was a real response to the many reports from the public and businessmen regarding the actions of thugs under the guise of mass organizations.
“This Task Force must move quickly and act firmly, must not be selective in eradicating extortion, road blockades, factory sealing, and other forms of intimidation,” he said.
