Support for the Formation of the Anti-Premanism Task Force: The Government’s Effort to Enforce the Law
By: Rianto Agas
Premanism is not just street-level criminal behavior; it is a serious threat to the rule of law, public order, and the national economic and investment climate. In a rule-of-law state like Indonesia, any form of violence and coercion by individuals or groups, including social organizations (ormas) that deviate from their intended purpose, represents a direct disturbance to the state’s authority. Therefore, the government’s move through the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to establish the Anti-Premanism Task Force (Satgas) should be widely appreciated and supported by the public.
The government’s firm stance in addressing premanism signals a serious commitment to upholding the supremacy of the law. Premanism often manifests in various forms: illegal levies, territorial control, intimidation under the guise of ormas, and even violence masked as debt collection services. This phenomenon not only disrupts social tranquility but also presents significant barriers for business actors, investors, and the wider public in conducting economic activities safely and freely.
The Chairman of Indonesia Police Watch (IPW), Sugeng Teguh Santoso, welcomed the government’s decisive action in maintaining public order and security. He emphasized the importance of law enforcement that is impartial and based on justice. Sugeng expressed support for the government’s efforts to maintain security and public order through firm law enforcement actions, irrespective of individual or group affiliations. He also urged the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, to establish the Anti-Premanism Task Force across Indonesia in order to eradicate the growing acts of premanism carried out by individuals claiming to represent ormas.
What was conveyed by IPW reflects the concerns of the public. In practice, there are several groups that hide behind the legality of their organizations while engaging in illegal actions such as extortion, forced land acquisition, and even physical abuse. When such practices are allowed to persist, it not only harms the immediate victims but also erodes public trust in state institutions.
The police’s initiative to establish the Anti-Premanism Task Force is a concrete response to this problem. The Head of the Public Relations Division of the National Police, Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, emphasized that the formation of the Task Force is a commitment by the police to safeguard national security stability and promote economic growth. He added that the task force’s operations would involve a law enforcement approach supported by intelligence activities, as well as proactive and preventive measures. This approach demonstrates that the police do not merely act after violations occur but strive to prevent and anticipate potential security threats from preman groups.
Additionally, this integrated approach reflects a modernization in the way premanism is tackled, which goes beyond physical or repressive force. It also involves early detection, public education, and increasing police presence in communities.
Support for the formation of the Anti-Premanism Task Force also comes from legal professionals. Legal analyst and senior advocate Dr. Togar Situmorang expressed that premanism has become a serious societal concern that must be eradicated to prevent it from becoming a norm. He stressed that any form of violence, including those carried out under the guise of debt collection services, must not be tolerated.
Togar’s statement reinforces the notion that premanism not only violates criminal law but also undermines the noble values of Indonesia, which upholds mutual cooperation, peace, and civility. Moreover, when acts of violence are committed by groups that misuse the legality of organizations for illegal activities, the state has a responsibility to enforce the law and protect its citizens.
In the context of national development, security is the foundation. No investment thrives in an atmosphere of fear, and no trade flourishes under intimidation. Thus, the police’s effort to form the Anti-Premanism Task Force is not only relevant in the framework of law enforcement but is also crucial for advancing national economic progress. Strong law enforcement will provide legal certainty for business actors and ensure a sense of security for the entire public.
Furthermore, the establishment of this Task Force demonstrates that the government will not stand idly by in the face of systemic and organized threats. Premanism, disguised under the pretext of organizations, religious groups, or professional services, must be clearly distinguished from legitimate social activities. The state, represented by law enforcement agencies, has the legitimate right to act against any form of law violation, regardless of its motives or disguise.
It is time for all elements of society to fully support the formation and strengthening of the Anti-Premanism Task Force. Citizens must dare to report any form of intimidation, extortion, or violence occurring in their surroundings. The active role of citizens is key to the success of both the preventive and repressive actions of law enforcement institutions. Let us work together to keep our public spaces safe, just, and free from the threat of premanism, in order to achieve a sovereign Indonesia that is governed by the rule of law and peaceful social life.
*) Legal and Governance Observer from Catalyst Union Institute
