Governor Sutiyoso calls for war against hoodlums

JAKARTA (JP): Concerned over brawls involving hoodlums in several areas in the capital, Governor Sutiyoso called for a concerted move against thugs, locally known as preman.

"The concept is easy: let's fight hoodlums together. That's it," Sutiyoso, a former Jakarta Military commander, told reporters.

He said the city police and the Jakarta Military Command as well as the city administration would help the general public eradicate hoodlums, who commonly operate in traditional markets, bus terminals and nightspots.

Thugs in the capital control different areas and are divided by their ethnicity. Tanah Abang market has long been the sphere of influence of hoodlums from Madura led by a man called Pak Mayor, while Blok M falls under the jurisdiction of people from Surabaya, known as Arek.

Sutiyoso revealed that newly inaugurated civilian personnel to assist police (Banpol) would also be deployed to certain areas to prevent hoodlums from inciting trouble.

"But the public's participation in the fight against thugs is more important," he remarked.

Sutiyoso's statement came after brawls broke out in Kebayoran Lama in South Jakarta, Matraman in East Jakarta and Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta this week.

South Jakarta public order officers were dispatched to the vicinity of Kebayoran Lama traditional market on Thursday to evict traders who occupy surrounding streets. Many have complained about their stalls, which cause traffic congestion throughout the day.

A brawl in the early hours of Monday left a youth, identified as Iwan, dead. The fight was believed to involve Betawi (native Jakartans) and migrant Madurese.

Another clash occurred on Sunday night between Minangkabau people (West Sumatra) and Madurese in Tanah Abang market, claiming one life, identified as Asikin.

On Wednesday, residents of Berlan and Palmeriam locked horns over control of a parking lot near Hotel Mega Matraman. Many said the fight was sparked by the death of a Berlan resident inside the hotel early this year.

Sutiyoso called on the people to pursue legal channels in solving disputes.

"We should not blindly defend a friend. The boy which reportedly died was a drunk," he said.

He urged the police on Thursday to investigate people who reportedly tried to burn down the hotel.

The city administration installed last year a three-meter-high iron fence along the median strip of Jl. Matraman in an effort to separate Berlan and Palmeriam residents, who have been involved in brawls for years for various reasons. The effort appears to have been fruitless as clashes still occur.

Sutiyoso said he was concerned that at least two brawls had occurred there this week.

"There were many brawls in Jakarta, but how could it happen in one place? It's very sad," he said. (jun)