Hestiana Dharmastuti/Hendra & GB, Jakarta – To keep sidewalk traders under control, the Jakarta special province government has reportedly sought out petty criminals and gang hooligans, or "preman" as they're known in Indonesia. Each day, each "preman" can earn Rp 50,000 while their bosses receive Rp 100,000 for intimidating traders.
Jakarta's premans are notorious for controlling much of public life, that is, for their involvement in various kinds of rackets and stand-over tactics. Their employment by the Jakarta government is a concern for the petty traders who ply their trade down the main roads and small gangs of the capital. The brutal tactics of the preman have compelled them to report the matter to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) located on Jl. Latuharhary, Central Jakarta, Monday (5/2/2001).
"I don't agree with the thugs' involvement in maintaining law and order," said Maman from the Traders' Union of CSW in the Blok M area of south central Jakarta. This group was also accompanied by members of the sidewalk traders' union from the Sudirman-Thamrin and Sudirman-Cawang areas along Jakarta's main thoroughfare.
Maman said they suspected the preman were being recruited and paid by the Jakarta government after obtaining a copy of a letter from the head of the CSW area signed by his boss, Rosidi, the district head. The letter outlines the ban on the traders' activities after 8pm Jakarta time.
"When the thugs came, 10 people, they came with sickles in their hands. Now they've exchanged their weapons and bring cudgels and full helmets taken from the security and order units," he said.
"They beat us," he said firmly. "What I know, they get 50,000-100,000 from the South Jakarta government," he reiterated.
The police had ignored pleas to protect the traders. "Every time we report it, the police don't seem to care. The police say it's not their duty anymore," he said with a puzzled expression.
Tubagus Haryo Kardianto from the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta) accompanied the sidewalk traders. He said the Jakarta government was clearly promoting horizontal conflict in the broader society and employing shady characters to terrorize honest traders. "We demand this be stopped. The police must taken firm action against thuggery," said Tubagus Haryo.
The tens of sidewalk traders who approached the National Commission were welcomed by Sugiri and BN Marbun. They demanded the Commission look into their plight and the two Komnas HAM representatives promised they conomy & investment