Banditry rampant

Banditry rampant

From Neraca

Many foreigners in Jakarta complain about the rampant
hooliganism. Japanese and Korean entrepreneurs
report extortion and other crimes to the police. Vendors in Tanah
Abang, nearby discotheques, and other entertainment centers are
regular and easy targets of extortionists.

Hooligans also spread nails on roads to puncture tires. Then
the gangs help change the tire but later demand a large amount of
money. Bus drivers must pay illegal fees and certain developers
employ gangs to threaten land owners who won't sell their land
for below market price. The developers are backed by powerful
persons. All sorts of banditry, including rape, happen in the
city everyday.

What does all this mean? Perhaps similar misconduct happens in
cities like Medan, Bandung, Semarang and Surabaya. Here, the
thugs have divided the city into several fiefdoms, each under the
jurisdiction of an individual gang. Each area's boss collects the
money raked in by his subordinates.

Who is the next victim?

Something must surely be done to make Jakarta safer.

HANDOYO KUSOEMO WARDOYO

Jakarta