35 Members Dead, DKI Satpol PP Chief: Not Because of Me, but Due to Extraordinary Workload

JAKARTA — As many as 35 members of the DKI Jakarta Satuan Polisi Pamong Praja (Satpol PP) have died over the past nearly one year.

The high number is said to be related to the heavy workload in the field and the lack of supporting facilities and infrastructure for personnel.

The Head of DKI Jakarta Satpol PP, Satriadi Gunawan, emphasised that the numerous deaths among members are not due to leadership factors, but rather the harsh working conditions.

According to Satriadi, the number of Satpol PP personnel at the sub-district level remains very limited, at around seven to 10 people. This number is deemed disproportionate to the tasks that must be carried out, from supervision to area enforcement.

As a result, many members have to work for very long durations, even up to 36 hours.

“The workload is disproportionate to the number of personnel. There are members who work up to 36 hours,” he explained.

In addition, supporting facilities such as rest areas are still minimal. Yet, Satpol PP members must stand guard for 24 hours at sub-district offices.

Currently, many members are forced to rest in prayer rooms or office corridors because adequate rest rooms are not available. This condition is seen to impact the health and stamina of the officers.

Due to fatigue, Satriadi continued, many members suffer from high blood pressure. This was revealed after health checks were conducted on the personnel.

He hopes that the DKI Jakarta DPRD, particularly Commission A, can pay attention to the needs for facilities and infrastructure as well as more humane working hour arrangements for Satpol PP members.

“We hope for support for facilities, especially rest areas, so that members can maintain their health and work more optimally,” said Satriadi.