Seeking a Way Out from the Recurring Gang Fights in Jakarta...

Gang fights in various parts of Jakarta occur like a cycle that never truly breaks. These incidents can subside momentarily, only to re-emerge at nearly the same points. Amid this repetitive pattern, various efforts have been made, from persuasive approaches to firm actions, but the results have not fully addressed the issue. At the same time, the government is beginning to promote a new approach that attempts to touch the root of the conflict by restoring residents’ social relations. The Jakarta Special Region Office of the Ministry of Human Rights (KemenHAM) has launched the Community-Based Reconciliation and Peace Village (Redam) programme in several areas deemed prone to conflict. “This is through a community-based approach to restore social relations, encourage peaceful problem-solving, and strengthen early conflict prevention,” said the Head of the Human Rights Services and Compliance Division of the Jakarta KemenHAM Regional Office, Rulinawaty, on Monday (20/4/2026), quoted from Antara. There are seven Redam villages in sub-districts including Cengkareng Barat (West Jakarta), Jatinegara (East Jakarta), Tengah (East Jakarta), Bukit Duri (South Jakarta), Johar Baru (Central Jakarta), Cempaka Baru (Central Jakarta), and Tanjung Priok (North Jakarta). Meanwhile, the Head of the Jakarta KemenHAM Regional Office, Mikael Azedo Harwito, emphasised that this effort is not merely a formal programme. “This is a place where interrupted dialogues are reconnected and residents’ trust is rebuilt,” said Mikael. According to him, peace cannot be solely burdened on the government but requires active community involvement. In Manggarai, South Jakarta, clashes between residents have become recurring events. The Manggarai Tunnel often becomes a conflict meeting point, involving several resident groups. Conflict triggers even frequently start from simple matters, one of which is mutual taunting on social media.