State vs Thugs
If Indonesia truly wants to achieve its grand vision by 2045, the courage to eradicate illegal levies and corruption must begin now, systematically, consistently, and without compromise.
JAKARTA – A video uploaded by Times Indonesia on 10 April 2026 shows an act of thuggery in Tanah Abang: a man smashing a bakso vendor’s bowls because they did not provide a monthly “quota” of Rp100,000. This incident is not merely a minor act of street violence, but a reflection of deeper and systemic problems.
Thuggery in Indonesia is not difficult to eradicate due to a lack of regulations, but rather because of weak law enforcement, systemic tolerance, and even the involvement of rogue elements within the power structures themselves.
This phenomenon feels close to everyday life. A simple experience like parking in the Mangga Besar area demonstrates how illegal levies are normalised. An official fee of Rp5,000 turns into Rp10,000 without clear justification. In other locations, it can even reach Rp20,000. This practice may seem trivial, but it is precisely there that the root of the problem lies: society is forced to accept injustice as “normal”.
The Tanah Abang case also shows that thuggery no longer stands alone. It often intertwines with certain organisations and claims of power over public spaces, including state land. When conflicts arise between the state and non-state groups, as in the incident involving Maruarar Sirait and Rosario de Marshal, the public witnesses something more alarming: the blurring of boundaries between official authority and informal power.
At this point, thuggery is no longer merely a matter of criminality, but has become a structural issue. It thrives in a permissive ecosystem where laws can be negotiated, and violations do not always lead to firm sanctions.
The power relations between thugs, authorities, and society often form an unhealthy symbiosis where the strong extort, the weak endure, and those who should enforce the law sometimes become part of the problem.
The impacts do not stop at social unease. Thuggery and illegal levies directly damage the business and investment climate. Small business actors like bakso vendors are the first victims, but large companies are not spared. When unofficial costs become part of operations, legal certainty becomes an illusion.
This contrasts with the government’s efforts to attract investment through international diplomacy. The President’s visits to various countries and the signing of business agreements are certainly positive steps. However, the question remains: to what extent can those investment commitments be realised if illegal levy practices still rampant at the grassroots level?
Experiences from other countries provide important lessons. Singapore, under Lee Kuan Yew’s leadership, shows that progress is not born from rhetoric, but from consistent law enforcement. Corruption and illegal levies are viewed as major threats to public and investor trust. Therefore, crackdowns are carried out without compromise, supported by strong institutions and transparent systems.
Indonesia certainly has a different context, but the basic principle remains the same: without legal certainty, there is no trust; without trust, there is no sustainable investment.
Therefore, eradicating thuggery is not enough with mere moral appeals or temporary operations. Concrete and measurable steps are needed. First, digitalising public service systems, including parking and permitting, to minimise direct interactions that open opportunities for illegal levies. Second, area-based law enforcement in vulnerable zones with strict oversight and periodic evaluations. Third, real protection for whistleblowers, especially business actors who are often victims. Fourth, internal reforms in law enforcement agencies to ensure integrity and accountability.
Moreover, the state must be consistently present. There should be no grey areas where laws can be bargained. When society sees violations being tolerated, distrust will grow. Conversely, when laws are enforced without favouritism, a sense of security and justice will slowly be restored.
Thuggery ultimately is not just about the perpetrators on the streets, but about the face of the state itself. If Indonesia truly wants to achieve its grand vision by 2045, the courage to eradicate illegal levies and corruption must begin now, systematically, consistently, and without compromise. Without it, the aspiration to become an advanced nation will remain a deferred promise.