Legislator Supports Crackdown on Street Crime

Jakarta City Council Commission A Member, Riano P Ahmad expressed his appreciation for the authorities' firm measures in cracking down on thuggery in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta.

This must be a collective effort

According to him, the synergy between the 'Three Pillars'—consisting of the Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the local government—is a swift response that deserves support in maintaining public order and security.

"Thuggery and criminal activities are certainly very distressing. I appreciate the swift actions taken by the Three Pillars, especially the police, in addressing these issues. This is crucial to minimize crime-prone areas," he expressed, Thursday (4/16).

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Nevertheless, he reminded that tackling thuggery should not just involve a crackdown. In his view, the government needs to implement more comprehensive community development programs.

He noted that the rise in thuggery is closely linked to the problem of social gaps in the community.

"We have to look at the root causes. Why does someone resort to extortion or street crime? One factor is social inequality. This is a collective responsibility; it's not just up to the police, but also the government to provide proper guidance," he explained.

He also called upon all sectors of the community to help maintain local security.

"It’s not just the government’s job. Community and religious leaders, as well as the local youth, need to be proactive and sensitive to these issues," he added.

Moreover, he believes that the stigma characterizing Tanah Abang as a hub for thuggery is somewhat unfair. He mentioned that such activities are also prevalent in other places.

"Thuggery doesn't just happen in Tanah Abang. It might get more attention because it’s right in the heart of the city, but the truth is, it exists in other areas too," he added.

In the future, he emphasized the importance of stronger oversight and guidance from both the government and the community to prevent the recurrence of similar practices.

"What needs to be strengthened is monitoring and guidance from an early stage. This must be a collective effort," he asserted.