JakartaPost/TribuneNews/Tempo-May 11
The Government has enlisted the help of the National Police and the Indonesian Military (TNI) to crack down on rogue mass organizations, amid widespread reports of racketeering and extortion that business players say have worsened the country’s economic climate. National Police spokesperson, Insp. Gen. Sandi Nugroho, announced that over 3,300 cases of thuggery have been resolved since the police launched a nationwide operation against rogue mass organizations on May 1. “This operation is concrete proof of our commitment to eliminate thuggery, which has been undermining the investment climate and compromising public safety. We will not tolerate any intimidation, extortion or violence, whether carried out by individuals or groups under the guise of mass organizations,” he stated on Friday, as reported by Tribunnews. Sandi said the nationwide operation is focused on addressing cases involving illegal levies, threats, vandalism of public facilities, assault, provocation, defamation, the spread of fake news and hate speech, as well as kidnappings linked to mass organizations. “Thuggery in any form will not be tolerated. Our aim is to provide legal certainty for both the public and businesses, ensuring that public spaces and the investment climate in Indonesia remain safe and conducive,” he emphasized. Meanwhile, Commander of the National Military Police Headquarters (Puspom TNI) Maj. Gen.Yusri Yunarto, announced that the military will deploy its intelligence personnel to assist the government in tackling rogue mass organizations. “The primary focus of these personnel will be on preventive efforts. They will collect and analyze intelligence to prevent any acts of thuggery,” he said on Wednesday, as quoted by Tempo. He added that the military will take firm action against any rogue mass organizations including those that are linked to TNI personnel. “We will take strict action against any TNI personnel found to be involved with rogue mass organizations,” Yusri stated. According to the Indonesian Industrial Estates Association (HKI), rampant extortion by rogue mass organizations has cost industry players operating in Indonesia hundreds of trillions of rupiah. Industrial zones have become prime hunting grounds for extortion by mass organizations, including in major hubs like Bekasi and Karawang in West Java, Batam in the Riau Islands and in East Java. Read more at:

https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2025/05/10/police-military-to-crack-down-on-rogue-mass-organizations.html.