Priok Container Driver Can Now Smile, After Complaining To Jokowi All Thugs Arrested

JAKARTA - The police again arrested seven perpetrators of illegal levies (extortion) in the PT Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT) area, Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta. They often beat the container driver.

"That's right, early this morning we arrested seven people who made extortion on truck drivers (containers)," said Tanjung Priok Port Police Chief AKBP Putu Kholis in his statement, Friday, June 11.

The alleged perpetrators of extortion were named Mardut Arison, Rachmat Deni, Abdullah Syafi'i, Wahid Wahidin, Bambang Eko Prasetyo, Rendy Puji Hadyanto, and Buhari.

From the results of the temporary inspection, the perpetrators were crane operators. In their action, they threatened to slow down in loading and unloading if the drivers did not give money.

"They put an empty plastic container or mineral drink bottle in the crane body which must then be filled by the driver with a nominal amount of Rp. 5,000 to Rp. 20,000 and if the driver does not give money, it will not be served or served slowly," said Putu.

However, it was not explained in detail how long the perpetrators had been in action. It was only emphasized that in the action, evidence of millions of rupiah in cash was confiscated.

"The total amount of evidence that has been secured is Rp1,287,000. Furthermore, the team secured the perpetrators and evidence and brought them to the Tanjung Priok Port Police for further processing," he said.

For information, President Joko Widodo immediately called the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, after hearing complaints from drivers regarding the practice of thuggery and extortion at Tanjung Priok Port.

"Pak Police, I am in Tanjung Priok, there are many complaints from container 'drivers' related to illegal fees at Fortune, at NPCT (New Priok Container Terminal) 1, then at Depo Dwipa. First, President Jokowi said at the Jakarta's Tanjung Priok Port, quoted by Antara, Thursday, June 10.

"Ready," replied the Chief of Police.

"Secondly, when there are traffic jams, many drivers are attacked by thugs. Please resolve these complaints. That's all the National Police Chief," said the President,

"Ready, sir," replied the Chief of Police.

President Jokowi did receive complaints from container drivers who work back and forth daily at the Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT) Pier and Koja Container Terminal, at Tanjung Priok Port.

Meanwhile, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo instructed the entire Polda and Polres and ranks to eradicate acts of thuggery that disturb the public.

"All Polda and Polres in the ranks must take firm action against disturbing acts of thuggery. This is to ensure safety and provide a sense of calm to the community," said Sigit.