Police Request Businesspeople Report Extortion of Holiday Allowances by Mass Organisations

Jakarta – Indonesia’s National Police headquarters (Polri) has called on the public, particularly business owners, to report immediately if they experience demands for holiday allowances (THR) deemed distressing from mass organisations or other parties.

Polri has opened a complaints service through the emergency hotline 110 for members of the public who feel disturbed by such THR demand practices.

Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, Head of Polri’s Public Relations Division, stated that in principle, provision of THR to others represents an act of goodwill if performed voluntarily. However, if such requests cause public distress, the public is welcome to report them to police.

“In principle, that is an act of goodwill, if someone wants to help. But if it becomes disturbing, you can use our hotline 110,” he said on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

According to him, Polri would first take preventive measures by issuing warnings to mass organisations and parties found to be demanding THR. Such measures are expected to minimise public distress ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

Nevertheless, Isir stressed that police would not hesitate to take legal action if THR demands were conducted in an organised manner and caused disruption to the public.

“If it is already structured and causes considerable distress, then legal enforcement measures are not ruled out. But that would be a last resort,” he said.

Beyond highlighting this issue, Polri also assured it would maximise public services during the Eid al-Fitr exodus period in 2026. One service being prepared is vehicle parking facilities for the public wishing to travel home, available at both district and sub-district police offices.

“We are prepared to provide humanitarian services through Operation Ketupat 2026 so that the exodus and Eid al-Fitr celebrations can proceed safely, orderly, and smoothly,” he added.