Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesian police have arrested hundreds of people, suspected of act og thuggery in the provinces of Banten and West Java. The move was part of a nationwide crackdown on act of thuggery including intimidation and extortion by groups posing as mass organizations
Since early May, authorities in Banten have detained at least 492 individuals suspected of in criminal acts of intimidation and extortion. Some have been formally charged, while others are undergoing rehabilitation or community guidance, according to Banten Deputy Police Chief, Brigadier General Hengki.
The arrests stem from a national directive issued by the National Police Headquarters (Mabes Polri), which launched a concentrated anti-extortion operation targeting individuals and groups involved in harassment and intimidation.
“We deployed 425 officers across Banten to take action against groups engaged in acts of violence and threats,” Hengki said during a press briefing on Friday, May 9.
He added the suspects were arrested for alleged acts of extortion, targeting public transport drivers, truck operators, and even businesses. Some were also suspected of forcibly acting as illegal job brokers.
Hengki emphasized that such criminal behavior could deter investment and harm the business climate in the region. “We will take firm action against all forms of criminal activity, regardless of affiliation or organization,” he said.
Meanwhile, in West Java, police arrested 145 peoples as part of “Operation Pekat II Lodaya 2025,” which began on May 1. The operation has targeted individuals involved in extortion activites across terminals, traditional markets, construction sites, land disputes, and nightlife venues.
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West Java Police Chief, Inspector General of Police Rudi Setiawan said that the operation has successfully uncovered 36 of the 44 priority cases, reaching more than 80% of their targets.
“This eight-day operation has focused on individuals whose actions have long disrupted public safety,” Rudi said on Friday. Over 900 officers took part in the sweep, including 185 personnel from the provincial headquarters and 750 from local units.
Notable cases included extortion of street vendors and public transport drivers. In subang suspects were allegedly extorting businesses in industrial zones and factories. Meanwhile, in Bogor Market, suspects reportedly extorted locals by posing as vendors. All suspects are currently in custody.
The Indonesian government recently reiterated its commitment to combating gang-related violence. The Coordinating Minister for Political, and Security Affairs has announced the formation of a national anti-thug task force. The task force is expected to play a key role in eliminating criminal networks and thuggery that has disrupt communities across the country.
(Raidi/Agung)
