2,700 officers to be deployed in war against thugs

JAKARTA (JP): At least 800 police officers and 1,900 civilian police assistants (Banpol) will be deployed soon in a special operation against thugs who operate in the city's traditional markets, City Police Chief Insp. Gen. Mulyono Sulaeman said on Tuesday.

"Recently, we made raids on thugs at crossroads, now we will target them in the markets," Mulyono told reporters after a coordinating meeting at the City Hall.

He said the officers would be divided into smaller groups and deployed at certain markets.

The police would take stern actions against the thugs, including shooting them if they resist arrest, he said.

"But there is no order to shoot on sight. It would only be in self defense or to protect the public," Mulyono said.

City Governor Sutiyoso said the operation against thugs would be launched soon, but declined to mention when it would start.

"We will not announce the date. They would run away if they knew," Sutiyoso told reporters after the meeting.

He said the city's five mayoralties have identified most places where the thugs frequented: 14 places in Central Jakarta, 10 in North Jakarta, 15 in West Jakarta, 12 in East Jakarta and 12 in South Jakarta.

According to city administration data, among the traditional markets and shopping centers controlled by thugs are Tanah Abang, Senen and Pasar Baru markets in Central Jakarta; Blok M and Kebayoran Lama in South Jakarta; Kramat Jati and Jatinegara in East Jakarta; and Glodok in West Jakarta. They usually extort money from traders.

The thugs also operate at crossroads and bus terminals across the city. They target bus drivers and street traders.

"From now, we declare war against thugs," Sutiyoso said.

He said the war would be waged continuously until the city is free from thugs.

He said that they violate the law by extorting illegal fees from traders and drivers.

"The operation against them is also part of efforts to uphold the law," Sutiyoso remarked.

Sutiyoso was earlier criticized by many councilors as failing to uphold the law, including improving the security situation in the city.

Improving security in the capital was part of his promise in his accountability speech last year.

On Friday, Sutiyoso delivered his accountability speech, claiming success during the nine months of 2000, but many councilors said that Sutiyoso still failed to uphold the law.

The governor's declaration of war against the thugs, known locally as preman, was made after clashes in Tanah Abang and Kebayoran, claimed two lives last week. (jun)