Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Indonesian government has established a joint force, the Anti-Thug task force to combat thuggery and mass organizations that disrupt public order.
The task force was revealed by Coordinating Minister for Political, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan. Budi emphasized that the formation of the Integrated Task Force for Operations Against Thuggery and Disruptive Organizations is a firm step to uphold the rule of law and protect civil society.
“The state will not remain silent in the face of actions that threaten national stability and social order,” he asserted.
The task force will also open public complaint channels, urging citizens to report extortion, illegal levies, intimidation, or any suspicious activity. “People should not hesitate to report any form of coercion or organized thuggery by individuals or groups,” Budi said.
He assured that law enforcement will act firmly and proportionally, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety and a healthy business climate.
“The presence of the state must be tangibly felt, especially in providing a sense of security, safeguarding freedoms, and maintaining a fair and competitive economic environment,” he added.
The initiative was agreed upon during a high-level inter-agency meeting led by the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, attended by representatives from the military, police, intelligence agency, attorney general’s office, and other relevant ministries and institutions.
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While the operation will involve cooperation with regional governments and local agencies, Budi underscored that the government respects the right to freedom of association and assembly. “In principle, we do not prohibit organizations, but we require all groups to strictly adhere to the law,” he said.
The government hopes the new Anti-Thug task force will also encourage public participation in fostering a safe and orderly environment for both social life and economic activity.
“With this decisive policy, we aim to create public spaces free from intimidation, reduce the influence of violent groups, and ensure equal justice and security for all Indonesians,” Budi concluded.
(Raidi/Agung)
