National Police Chief's Commitment to Eradicating Thuggery Seen to Significantly Improve Security Quality
A Professor at Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Prof. Romli Atmasasmita, believes that the steps taken by the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, to eradicate illegal levies and thuggery are appropriate. This is because the public has been unsettled by the actions of thugs and extortionists.
“Thuggery does not only disturb entrepreneurs, but also undermines the supremacy of law. This has been happening for a long time, whether it involves nameless groups of thugs or those operating under the guise of mass organisations. Their presence weakens legal certainty. It is excellent that the National Police are committed to eradicating thuggery. As members of the public, we will certainly support and appreciate this,” said Prof. Romli in Jakarta on Monday, 14 September 2026.
According to the former Director General of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the presence of thuggery in industrial zones not only causes financial losses to entrepreneurs but also creates a bad precedent for legal certainty in Indonesia.
Foreign investors considering Indonesia as an investment destination frequently regard security conditions and law enforcement as primary factors in their decision-making processes. He assessed that without tangible security guarantees, the potential investment flowing into Indonesia could be significantly hindered.
Naturally, the public, workers, and the business community hope that the commitment expressed by the National Police Chief during this consolidation forum does not stop at mere statements.
“Real implementation in the form of rapid responses to reports, firm action against perpetrators of illegal levies and thuggery, and continuous supervision in industrial areas will be the most concrete measures of success. However, public support and widespread appreciation from various parties also serve as important social capital for the National Police to continue improving the quality of national industrial security services,” said Prof. Romli.
Previously, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo sent a stern signal to perpetrators of thuggery and illegal levies (pungli) who continue to operate in industrial areas. Sigit urged entrepreneurs and companies not to hesitate to report any activities that disrupt business operations, assuring that the National Police will follow up on such reports.
This was stated by Sigit while attending the Grand Consolidation of the Indonesian Metal Workers’ Federation (FSPMI) in the MM2100 area, Bekasi. According to Sigit, security issues cannot be separated from the sustainability of industrial zones, as a safe business environment is a vital factor in maintaining investor confidence.