'Thugs make the city dangerous'

Responding to mounting complaints about crime in the city, the Jakarta administration, police and military launched the first- ever official crackdown on thuggery and lawlessness. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their thoughts on thugs and the new campaign.

Darwis, 32, drives a public minivan between Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta and Meruya in West Jakarta. He lives in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta:

I really hope the police are serious about cracking down on thugs. But frankly, I am pessimistic because I have heard such promises before.

You see (the thugs in Tanah Abang market) still demanding money from us with no fear of being arrested by the police.

Bus drivers have to get ready to pay Rp 1,500 (12 US cents) to Rp 2,000 every time we pass by the market. We pay each of the thugs Rp 200 and sometimes there are as many as 10 of them.

If we don't give them money, it means trouble.

It seems the police are powerless here. They allow them to take our money. If the police really want to crack down on thugs, they must arrest those people who take money from us every day.

Betti, 25, works for a company on Jl. Sudirman. She lives in Pondok Aren subdistrict, Tangerang:

I have read about the police promise to get rid of thugs. It is really good news for me because I always go home late.

I had a bad experience with a thug a few months ago. He demanded I give him my cellular phone when I was riding in a public minivan on my way home. I had no choice but to give him the phone when he took out a knife.

Many of my friends have similar stories, particularly those who leave their offices at night. We hope the police are serious this time about fighting the thugs, who cause so much insecurity in the city.

-- The Jakarta Post