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