Legal Expert Supports National Police Chief in Eradicating Thuggery and Extortion in Industrial Zones
Criminal law expert and Professor at Padjadjaran University (Unpad), Romli Atmasasmita, supports the decisiveness of National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who has ordered his ranks to take firm action against extortion (pungli) and thuggery in industrial zones. Romli considers the commitment to eradicating these practices a crucial step in strengthening the supremacy of law and maintaining certainty within the national investment climate.
“Thuggery not only disturbs entrepreneurs but also undermines the supremacy of law. This has been happening for a long time, involving both unnamed groups and those operating under the guise of mass organisations. Their presence weakens legal certainty. It is positive that the National Police are committed to eradicating thuggery; the public will certainly support and appreciate this,” Romli stated on Monday (14/09/2026).
Romli emphasised that the existence of thuggery in industrial zones has the potential to erode the confidence of foreign investors, who view security guarantees as a primary indicator for investing. He expressed hope that the Police Chief’s instructions would not remain mere rhetoric but would be realised through concrete actions, including rapid field enforcement and continuous supervision across all industrial estates.
“Real implementation, in the form of rapid responses to reports, firm action against perpetrators of extortion and thuggery, and sustained supervision, will be the most concrete measure of success,” he asserted.
Previously, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo issued instructions for firm enforcement while attending the Grand Consolidation of the Federation of Indonesian Metal Workers’ Unions (FSPMI) in the MM2100 Industrial Estate, Bekasi Regency. In front of approximately 2,000 worker and employer representatives, the Police Chief requested police apparatus to immediately respond to and follow up on all security disturbance reports to ensure national production activities remain conducive.