Governor Sutiyoso calls for war against hoodlums

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)