By: Bara Winatha
The government has once again demonstrated its commitment to creating a secure and orderly society by taking concrete steps to establish the Integrated Task Force (Satgas) for Handling Premanism and Troubling Social Organizations (Ormas). This effort serves as a response and part of the national strategy to maintain security stability and strengthen the investment climate. The public is also encouraged to play an active role in supporting the success of this program by participating in reporting and overseeing suspicious activities that disturb public order.
The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam), Budi Gunawan, stated that the establishment of this Integrated Task Force aims to eradicate all forms of premanism and ormas acting beyond the legal boundaries, particularly those that disrupt the national investment climate. The public is encouraged not to hesitate in reporting various forms of extortion, illegal levies, intimidation, and other suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. The presence of the state must be felt by all layers of society, both in providing security and ensuring freedom to operate in social and business environments.
Budi Gunawan also emphasized the importance of community involvement in creating safe and orderly public spaces. The government continues to respect the principles of freedom of association and assembly, but all organizations must comply with and adhere to the applicable laws. The Satgas operation will also collaborate with local governments and agencies as part of a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue of premanism.
Chairman of Indonesia Police Watch (IPW), Sugeng Teguh Santoso, stated that acts of premanism hiding behind the guise of ormas must be eradicated with firm, fair, and impartial law enforcement. The public must fully support the government’s and law enforcement’s efforts in cracking down on groups or individuals who exert force, extort, and intimidate citizens or business owners.
Sugeng pointed out the various tactics now used by preman groups, such as forcibly shutting down businesses, illegally occupying land, and engaging in intimidation via social media. The establishment of the Satgas will provide tangible legal pressure on ormas that have been proven to violate the law and commit acts of violence. Furthermore, the government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, needs to conduct a thorough evaluation and review of ormas suspected of engaging in premanism practices.
He emphasized that if an ormas is proven to meet the criteria for dissolution under the Organization Law, the government must act decisively to maintain the state’s authority and the public’s sense of justice. Actions that threaten state officials and retired generals, as seen recently, represent defiance of the law and must not be tolerated in a rule-of-law state like Indonesia.
The Head of Public Relations of the National Police (Polri), Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, explained that the police have launched a simultaneous Regional Police Operation since May 1, 2025, as part of the national effort to eliminate premanism. This operation is a tangible manifestation of Polri’s commitment to maintaining national security stability and supporting national economic growth. Law enforcement against extortionists, illegal levies, threats, beatings, and other forms of violence will be conducted firmly and methodically.
The operation targets both individuals and groups proven to be disturbing public order and hindering economic activities. Cross-sector coordination between Polri, the Indonesian National Army (TNI), local governments, and other stakeholders is crucial to ensure the operation’s success and create long-term stability. Law enforcement efforts cannot be conducted in isolation; they must be comprehensive, emphasizing collaboration between institutions and active community participation.
An investigative report released by national media revealed how premanism has infiltrated the industrial sector in several regions, even using official methods such as recommendation letters and requests for meetings, which ultimately led to mass intimidation. Such tactics cause business actors to lose independence in running their businesses professionally. This situation harms the business world and weakens investor confidence in the legal certainty in Indonesia. Therefore, the establishment of the Anti-Premanism Task Force is expected to be a systemic solution to this long-standing problem.
Active community participation is crucial for the success of the Anti-Premanism Task Force. The community is not only the beneficiary of the improved security situation but also an essential element in the social vigilance system. By reporting suspicious incidents, supporting law enforcement, and refusing to submit to the coercive practices of certain groups, the public becomes a part of the movement toward a just and orderly social order.
Active participation also reflects the maturity of democracy and law enforcement in Indonesia. In the spirit of the rule of law, no group should be above the law. The existence of ormas must be based on the values of Pancasila, positive law, and the spirit of mutual cooperation to build the nation, not as informal tools of power that impose their will on society and the state. Therefore, all parties are urged to unite in supporting the Anti-Premanism Task Force to realize a safe, peaceful, and just Indonesia.
*) The author is a social and community observer.
