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Government asks entities to report extortion, illegal levies
The government has stressed that no institution is obliged to provide holiday bonuses ahead of Idul Fitri (THR) to civil society organizations, commonly referred as ormas (mass organizations).
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Illustration of illegal levies (Courtesy of/Shutterstock)
T
he government has stressed that no institution is obliged to provide holiday bonuses ahead of Idul Fitri (THR) to civil society organizations, commonly referred as ormas (mass organizations), following a viral instance where a person claiming to be “Jagoan Cikiwul” (Cikiwul’s Ace) in Bekasi, West Java, attempted to extort money from a business owner.
First Deputy Home Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto urged Regional Leadership Coordination Forums (Forkopimda) across the country to coordinate with law enforcement authorities and take a firm stance against any ormas involved in such coercive practices. He also encouraged the public to report illegal levies.
"[Such illicit activities] must not disrupt the solemnity of Ramadan, so please report them, and let the law take its course,” Bima said on Saturday, as quoted by Kompas.
Abdullah, a member of House of Representatives’ Commission III overseeing law enforcement, urged the police to arrest thugs disguised as civil organization members who forcibly demand THR from the public, while calling on authorities to efficiently process complaints to assist victims.
"These thugs posing as organizations repeatedly cause trouble and extort the public. They act as if they control the area and can extort as they please," the National Awakening Party (PAN) politician said, as quoted by Antara.
He also condemned perpetrators who carry weapons and resort to violence, describing their actions as "thuggery that cannot be tolerated."
Read also: Police vow to address rampant extortion of businesses ahead of Idul Fitri
