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)