Robert Go, Jakarta – The growing menace of premans or thugs is taking centre stage as the Indonesian public now vent their frustrations openly after the controversial Tempo magazine harassment case.
The recent episode of tycoon Tommy Winata's thugs assaulting Tempo writers after a critical story on him was published by the magazine has stoked a debate and sparked off public criticism.
In the assault case, politicians have held ad hoc hearings while the police – yielding to strong public pressure – have started a probe based on Tempo's complaints.
The public, however, does not believe this will affect those behind the thug gangs in any way.
Prominent activist Marco Kusumawijaya, who campaigned against Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso in last year's gubernatorial race, said: "They're everywhere, and exact a heavy cost on society. The damage is particularly harsh for the poor, who have no choice but to acquiesce." But there is mounting concern about the problem.
Jakarta dentist Agatha Purnomo complained: "Each month, two or three local youths come around asking for a donation. I pay them, because I'm afraid they would break in and ruin my office otherwise. The amount is not big, but it is a hassle."
Even those not well off want to speak up. Street vendor Hardi (not his real name), 42, at the Tanah Abang market in the heart of the city told The Jakarta Post: "After last month's fire, business here is not going very well. But I still have to pay a large proportion of my profits to thugs." The Tanah Abang market was at the centre of the Tempo controversy, for the magazine had alleged that Mr Winata, who had submitted a re-development plan for the market, could have had a hand in the fire.
Mr Hardi said he had to pay around 8,500 rupiahs (S$1.66) in "security fees" every day to five different gangs operating in the market.
Premanism, as the issue is commonly known here, has been a scourge for a while now, with the thug gangs hitting out even at prominent Indonesians who try to use legal channels to resolve disputes.
These groups exist and operate at every level of Indonesian society. They do not always use force but depend on the threat of violence to serve their masters' interests.
At lower levels of society, thugs prowl the streets and collect protection money from people who can barely afford to feed or clothe themselves.
Transport vans plying inter-city routes pay unofficial tolls at various pick-up points before local thugs allow them to pass through to the next destination point.
And at the top end, Indonesia has private armies for hire during street protests against controversial political issues of the day.
These may masquerade as youth wings of religious groups or political parties, or work more openly as feudalistic thugs who serve a master, as in the case of Mr Winata.
Political analysts said even groups such as the Defenders of Islam – who speak up publicly against sins and make a habit of wrecking bars – work for monetary reasons. Such groups can play more heinous roles, with experts alleging the involvement of premans in escalating social and religious conflicts in parts of the country.
Experts believe that premans will continue to figure importantly in Indonesian society unless the police and the authorities decide to crack down on these private armies.
The problem is that policemen are often co-opted and maintain friendly relations with preman dons.
And besides, the economic crisis fuels the problem by creating millions of unemployed youths who have few options but to join gangs in order to earn a living. Most observers think the problem will only get worse in the future.
Dr Tamrin Tomagola, a sociologist at the University of Indonesia, said the fact that the police force can be bought by preman leaders, coupled with the country's sluggish economy, are key factors.
He argued: "Without a crackdown by the police, these groups will multiply and flourish. And they have no recruitment problems, as millions of youths are unemployed.
"If we want to fight thugs, we have to strengthen the police force and make it more professional. And at the same time, the economy has to improve, so that these groups would find it more difficult to get fresh members."