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Police vow to address rampant extortion of businesses ahead of Idul Fitri
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Giant arm: Workers oversee a crane moving a container to a docking cargo ship at Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya, East Java, on Wednesday. Law enforcers arrested on Tuesday an executive with state-owned port operator Pelindo III for his alleged involvement in the practices of charging illegal levies at Tanjung Perak, the country's second largest port. (JP/Wahyoe Boediwardhana)
T
he National Police have pledged to protect businesses from extortion and take “firm action” against members of mass organizations involved in such illicit activities, which have reportedly hindered investment in the country.
Any reports made by businesses or investors would be followed up upon seriously, the police vowed ahead of Idul Fitri, when such practices typically worsen.
“The police will take firm action against thuggery under the guise of mass organizations. No individual should carry out extortion, illegal levies or any other actions that could harm businesses and hinder investment,” said National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko in a Friday statement.
In recent months, businesses across the country have expressed anger and frustration over the illicit phenomenon, which has long existed in Indonesia but which many say has gotten worse.
Typically, perpetrators mobilize civilians en masse to coerce businesses into paying “protection fees”, as well as hiring local groups for construction, accommodation or other services.
Those who refuse face intimidation, vandalism or disruption through forced factory shutdowns or demonstrations paralyzing operations.
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