Deputy National Police chief Comr. Gen. Gatot Eddy Pramono said the proposed move was due to the limited number of police and Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel. The assistance of community and gang leaders, he argued, was needed as part of the efforts to discipline the public amid the ongoing pandemic, especially regarding mask-wearing and physical-distancing measures.

In Indonesia, local gangs are linked to security protection in areas such as traditional markets and parking spots, which they “protect” in exchange for money.

“We don't recruit gang members, but we involve them. They are the informal part of raising public awareness, but not exactly to enforce local regulations," he said in a hearing with the House of Representatives on Monday.

Gatot, who also serves as deputy chief executive of the country's COVID-19 handling committee, said in addition to gangs, other community groups would be involved such as ojek (motorcycle taxi) groups and hobby-based communities such as motorcycle enthusiasts.

In the hearing, he also asserted that the police and the TNI would supervise them so that they did not violate human rights.

"We will use those who are already among the existing communities.  If we do this together, we can stop virus transmission.”

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