JAKARTA – The government has officially established the Integrated Task Force for the Handling of Premanism and Troubling Mass Organizations, known as the Anti-Premanism Task Force, in response to the rampant practices of extortion, blackmail, and intimidation carried out by thugs disguised as members of mass organizations (ormas). These actions not only disrupt public order but also threaten the national investment climate.
Member of the House of Representatives’ Commission II, Abdullah, welcomed the government’s initiative. He described the formation of the Task Force as a follow-up to the proposal previously submitted by the DPR.
“Premanism disguised under the banner of ormas cannot be allowed to persist. There must be concrete action. The formation of the Anti-Premanism Task Force is an urgent and necessary step,” said Abdullah.
Abdullah emphasized that premanism in the form of ormas has disrupted various aspects of society, from extorting truck drivers on the roads to illegally sealing factories. He stressed the importance of the Task Force acting quickly, firmly, and impartially.
“The Task Force must act swiftly, firmly, and without bias. All agencies involved in the Task Force should put aside sectoral egos and collaborate fully,” he urged.
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, added that the Task Force would also provide a public complaint channel. He urged the public not to hesitate to report any suspicious activities, such as extortion, illegal fees, or intimidation.
“The government will take firm action and will not tolerate any mass organizations that violate the law or resort to violence,” Budi asserted.
The Anti-Premanism Task Force was established through a coordination meeting across ministries, involving the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), the National Police, the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), the Attorney General’s Office, and various other ministries and agencies. The Task Force will carry out operations in close coordination with regional governments and local law enforcement to ensure effective law enforcement.
“We aim to create a public space free from premanism, ensuring security and justice for all,” Budi added.
West Java Governor, Dedi Mulyadi, has also activated the Anti-Premanism Task Force in his region. During a readiness briefing at the Karawang International Industrial City (KIIC), Dedi emphasized that the Task Force is there to protect the public from the threat of premanism, whether it be in markets, on the streets, or in industrial areas.
“The Task Force is here to protect small businesses such as vendors and truck drivers, as well as entrepreneurs. Everyone must be free from the threat of thugs,” Dedi stressed.
He also revealed that the Anti-Premanism Task Force in West Java has already apprehended more than 20 premanism suspects in the Bekasi, Subang, and surrounding areas. The Task Force includes a joint effort from the TNI, National Police, and Military Police. “We have entered the phase of enforcement, no longer just giving warnings,” he added.
Karawang Regent, Aep Syaepuloh, further added that while the Task Force’s operations in Karawang are still running on a self-funded basis, they are working on drafting regulations to strengthen the Task Force’s role.
Through these concrete actions, the government hopes that the public will be able to live in peace and that business owners can feel safe investing in Indonesia without the threat of intimidation. The Anti-Premanism Task Force symbolizes the government’s commitment to ensuring that the state will not be defeated by rogue elements disturbing public order.
