Governor Sutiyoso surprised by traders' comments

Governor Sutiyoso surprised by traders' comments

JAKARTA (JP): The crackdown on hoodlums began on Monday, and
to the surprise of Governor Sutiyoso, who was informed by traders
in Tanah Abang Market, Central Jakarta that they had never been
extorted by thugs, locally known as preman.

"I wonder why traders claimed that they had never been
extorted by preman," Sutiyoso said during his visit to the market
to observe the operation.

Several police and military officials, including Jakarta
Military Commander Maj. Gen. Bibit Waluyo, and leaders of the
local community called Ikatan Keluarga Besar Tanah Abang (Tanah
Abang Big Family Association/IKBT) accompanied the governor
during the inspection.

During their conversations with the governor, several traders
said there were no thugs hanging around the area.

"We are never asked for money by hoodlums," Pujianto, one of
the street traders in the area, told Sutiyoso.

Pujianto admitted that he paid between Rp 1,000 and Rp 1,500 a
day to certain officers for a security fee, but he said he was
never forced to pay the levy.

Other traders who met the governor also gave similar
testimonies.

Sutiyoso and his entourage arrived in several cars and two
buses and were welcomed by leaders and members of IKBT's security
guards.

Hundreds of newly-established civilian police auxiliaries
(Banpol) were also deployed to guard the visit.

Clad in black uniforms, IKBT leaders and members of its
security guards were seen accompanying Sutiyoso during impromptu
conversations with the traders.

IKBT deputy chairman Ibrahim even expressed his objection with
Sutiyoso's use of the word hoodlum in the talks.

"We're a little offended if the Governor came here because of
the hoodlum issue. There are no hoodlums here," Ibrahim told
Sutiyoso.

IKBT chairman Yusuf Muhi admitted that his organization
collected Rp 500 from each trader daily as a "security fee". Some
Rp 200,000 (US$20) goes to the organization's coffers each day,
Yusuf said. The group has some 1,500 members.

"It's just used to feed local people. However, it is still not
enough," Yusuf, who is popularly known by his nickname Pak Ucu,
told reporters.

The traders' statement was contrary to the city
administration's public order office data which revealed that
Tanah Abang Market is one of the city's crime-prone locations.

Apart from Tanah Abang Market, several places in Central
Jakarta, including Kemayoran exhibition center, Galur Bridge,
Harmoni crossroads, the National Monument (Monas) park, the Hotel
Indonesia roundabout, Jl. Latuharhary and Genjing Market, are all
listed as hot spots.

The data also show that criminals are also rampant in Muara
Baru, Muara Angke, Kali Baru, Cilincing, Pluit junction, Tanjung
railway station and bus terminal, former Kramat Tunggak complex,
Semper and Kelapa Gading crossroads, all in North Jakarta.

In East Jakarta, the thugs are commonly seen at Cililitan
crossroads, Jatinegara Market and railway station, Pramuka,
Bekasi Timur, the Indonesia in Miniature Park (TMII), Pemuda
junction, Pulo Gadung bus terminal and Kramat Jati Market.

The preman also operate in Kapuk, Kalideres bus terminal,
Cengkareng Market, Kalijodoh, Citraland shopping mall, Grogol bus
terminal, Kembangan, Tomang and Slipi junction, all in West
Jakarta.

Several places in South Jakarta are also identified as hoodlum
dens, including the crossroads at Blok M, Pondok Indah, Pondok
Labu, Pancoran, Kuningan and Cawang, and Pasar Rumput Market.

The governor declared a war against the thugs following brawls
between them at Tanah Abang Market, Central Jakarta and Kebayoran
Lama Market in South Jakarta, last month, which killed two
people. (jun)