TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Kapolri), General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, affirmed the police force's commitment to cracking down on premanism (organized thuggery) that disrupts the public and business activities.
He assured entrepreneurs that they should not be concerned about security when investing or operating businesses in Indonesia.
"Regarding investments, there is no need to worry. Just come in. Security matters are handled by us," said the Kapolri at Plaza Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Concerns about thuggery impeding investments were previously raised by Sanny Iskandar, Chairperson of the Indonesian Industrial Estate Association (HKI). He revealed that Indonesia had suffered losses reaching hundreds of trillions of rupiah due to withdrawn or canceled investments.
According to Sanny, many investors pulled out because local mass organizations forced their involvement in construction and factory operations.
"Their modus operandi includes protests and various actions to block the area. As a result, the factories cannot operate, goods cannot enter, raw materials cannot be brought in, and finished products cannot leave," Sanny said, as quoted by Antara on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
Why Can Thuggery Undermine Investment?
Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, Chairwoman of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo), explained that investment sustainability depends on multiple factors (including security, legal protection, and local social stability) alongside incentives and licensing ease.
"When non-formal interventions or actions outside the legal corridor still occur, especially in the form of coercion, extortion, or intimidation, the risks to investment sustainability also increase," she told Tempo on Friday, April 25, 2025.
Referring to incidents of thuggery disrupting the construction of the BYD factory, Shinta said such cases could trigger alarm among both domestic and foreign investors, who may begin to question Indonesia’s ability to ensure a stable business environment.
These disruptions, she added, highlight the urgent need for stronger legal certainty and investment protection, especially for strategic projects that contribute significantly to industrial development and employment.
"The project is one of several new investments in the manufacturing sector currently underway in Indonesia," she said.
Shinta also acknowledged that mass organizations play a meaningful role in development as part of the broader national ecosystem.
However, she emphasized that the government must act firmly against individuals within such groups who obstruct or harm businesses. Consistent law enforcement, she noted, would send a clear signal that Indonesia is serious about safeguarding all parties supporting economic growth.
She further urged greater collaboration among central and local governments, along with law enforcement, to ensure investment projects proceed without non-technical disruptions that could harm public welfare.
Apindo, she said, remains committed to promoting a fair, competitive, and sustainable business environment.
"Enforcement of the law and support for business certainty are important foundations to ensure Indonesia's potential as a global investment destination can be realized effectively," she said.
To address these concerns, the Indonesian National Police has launched coordinated operations targeting thuggery across all regional police units and precincts.
The effort is detailed in telegram number: STR/1081/IV/OPS.1.3/2025. According to the police, the operation targets thuggery activities that are becoming more widespread and are seen as potential threats to national security and the investment climate.
"In addition, this operation focuses on curtailing extortion, illegal levies, threats, intimidation, group beatings, and assaults carried out by individuals or groups," said Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, Chief of the Public Relations Bureau of the National Police Public Relations Division, in a written statement on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Yudono Yanuar, Annisa Febiola, Hammam Izzuddin, Dede Leni Mardianti, and Eka Yudha Saputra contributed to the writing of this article.
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