Support Jokowi Brantas Extortion In Tanjung Priok, Deputy Governor Of DKI: Not Justified Anywhere

Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria (DOK VOI/Rizky Aditya)

JAKARTA - Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Ahmad Riza Patria admitted that he agreed with President Joko Widodo to eradicate illegal levies (extortion) to truck drivers in Tanjung Priok.

"I agree with Mr. Jokowi. Extortion is not allowed anywhere, not only in Tanjung Priok, ports or anywhere else," Riza said when met in the West Jakarta area, Friday, June 11.

Riza asked for support from all law enforcement officers to remain disciplined and have integrity in preventing extortion. He also asked the public to report any similar incidents.

"We ask the public to help report anywhere. If extortion is found, the police or us immediately report it. Later, we will follow up in accordance with existing regulations," he said.

President Jokowi, Thursday, June 10 received 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.

Jokowi 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, there are many 'drivers' who are barked at by thugs. Please resolve these complaints.

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

The next day, the Polda Metro Jaya said that they had arrested 49 people who often made illegal levies (extortion) in the North Jakarta area. They were arrested after receiving directions from the National Police Chief to follow up on Jokowi's orders.

"What we have secured are 49 people with their respective roles and their respective groups," said Head of Public Relations of Polda Metro Jaya Kombes Yusri Yunus.

Based on the data collection, the dozens of offenders were dealt with by the North Jakarta Metro Police and the Tanjung Priok Port Police. Most of them are employees of PT Greeting Fortune Container (GFC) and PT Dwipa Kharisma Mitra Jakarta.

"There are 12 people, there are 16 people, and also the Cilincing and Tanjung Priok police have secured 6 and 8 people. Also friends from the Tanjung Priok Port Police have secured 7 people," said Yusri.

Then, from the results of the examination, it was also known that the burglars asked the truck drivers for money in different amounts. Starting from IDR 2,000 to IDR 10,000 per truck.