Golkar Highlights Criminal Acts Impacting People's Economic Activities

The state must not lose to street criminals. When people start fearing to leave their homes or travel due to mugging threats, it is not only security that is disrupted, but also the economic activities and social life of the citizens,” said Sarmuji to reporters on Wednesday (13/5/2026). He hopes the police can increase routine patrols and preventive operations at crime-prone points, especially on quiet routes, as well as in suburban residential areas, industrial access points, and inter-regional connecting roads that often become mugging locations. “Prevention must be strengthened. The presence of security personnel in the field is very important so that the public feels protected. Do not let handling only occur after there are victims,” he stressed. The Chairman of the Golkar Faction in the Indonesian House of Representatives also highlighted the impact of street crime on small business actors and people who depend on income from night-time activities. The prevalence of muggings and thuggery, according to him, makes many traders, ojek drivers, couriers, and MSME actors feel threatened while working. “Thuggery and muggings do not only disrupt security but also hit small people’s businesses. Traders become afraid to stay open until night, drivers fear passing certain routes, and ultimately people’s economic activities are disrupted,” he said. He assessed that the state must be present to provide a sense of security for small communities who seek their livelihood every day in public spaces. Therefore, Sarmuji asked the police to act quickly and not give any room to criminal groups. “Do not let public spaces be dominated by fear. The state must ensure that small communities can work and earn a living safely without intimidation or criminal threats,” he stated. “The National Police must firmly crack down on thuggery and muggings that disturb the public. Do not let the public feel that the law is defeated by criminal groups that make citizens afraid to engage in activities and earn a living,” he added. Furthermore, Sarmuji also assessed that thuggery actions disguised as illegal levies, intimidation, or control over certain areas must receive serious attention. He stated that a comprehensive evaluation of security is needed. “If thuggery practices are allowed to continue, the public’s sense of security will continue to decline, and small business actors will be the most affected party. The state must be present to protect the public from all forms of intimidation and violence,” he said. According to him, strengthening the security system is not enough by relying only on conventional patrols, but also requires support for surveillance technology, street lighting, and active coordination. “Many mugging cases occur in locations with minimal lighting and supervision. Local governments need to be more serious about improving public security facilities such as street lamps, CCTV, and environmental monitoring,” he said. “Law enforcement must provide a deterrent effect. Street criminals who harass the public must be dealt with firmly in accordance with applicable law,” he continued.