243 hoodlums detained in massive crackdown
243 hoodlums detained in massive crackdown
JAKARTA (JP): Following a massive crackdown against extortion
practices on Jakarta's streets, a total of 243 hoodlums have been
detained at various locations in the capital over the past month.
Head of Jakarta's social disturbance control agency's data
collection, Raya Siahaan, said on Tuesday that the 243 hoodlums
were among more than 400 thugs netted by security forces since
Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso declared war on hoodlums on April 16.
"They were found extorting money from traders and carrying
sharp weapons," Raya told reporters.
He said the hoodlums were now being detained at various police
precincts in the city and would soon be handed over to the
courts.
From among those detained, 20 were arrested at several
locations in Central Jakarta, 59 were arrested in North Jakarta,
35 in West Jakarta, 33 in South Jakarta and 96 in East Jakarta.
The 20 thugs from Central Jakarta were arrested on Jl. Gunung
Sahari, in Tanah Abang market, Senen market, Pasar Baru market
and Senen railway station.
The 59 thugs arrested in North Jakarta were from Tanjung Priok
bus terminal and railway station, and a Kalijodo brothel complex.
The 35 hoodlums in West Jakarta were nabbed in Pancoran Glodok
area, Tomang and Grogol crossroads, Cengkareng market and Beos
railway station.
The 33 thugs from South Jakarta were arrested in Blok M, Pasar
Minggu and Kebayoran Lama markets, and CSW crossroads.
Meanwhile, the 96 thugs from East Jakarta were arrested in
Pulogadung, Kampung Rambutan and Kampung Melayu bus terminals,
Jatinegara market and Cawang crossroad.
Raya said the hoodlums extorted between Rp 1,000 and Rp 2,500
from traders and Rp 1,000 from public transportation drivers
operating in their respective areas.
He said the thugs, locally known as preman, also demanded
between Rp 500 and Rp 1,000 from drivers of private vehicles
collecting passengers from railway stations and bus terminals.
The city administration declared war against hoodlums
following a brawl between rival groups in Kebayoran Lama and
Tanah Abang markets two months ago. The incident claimed two
lives. (jun)