UI Sociologist: There Are 50 Gangs In Johar Baru, Suspected Of Having Hidden Agendas

Brawl illustration

JAKARTA - The social phenomenon of brawls has been highlighted by a sociologist from the University of Indonesia, Ida Ruwaida. Ida assessed that the brawls that often occur in the densely populated village of Johar Baru, Central Jakarta, are motivated as an arena for existence between groups of residents.

From the mapping results of the UI Sociologist team, there are at least 50 gangs or groups of residents scattered in the village, namely Tanah Tinggi, Johar Baru and Kampung Rawa. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Johar Baru area is known as a brawl village.

"Our study shows that the motives for brawls can be trivial things, and even become an arena for the existence of groups or gangs," said Ida when contacted, Wednesday, August 18.

According to sociologists, the motive for the occurrence of a brawl among groups of residents in Johar Baru is "violence for fun".

Ida explained that brawls can be stimulated by bickering between residents, especially if other parties are involved in provoking it.

That way, brawls can occur no longer between residents but rather between groups, including what often happens, namely groups of residents in Tanah Tinggi (Baladewa) Village versus residents in Kampung Rawa Village.

From the results of studies since 2011, at least for the last 10 years, the frequency of brawls has decreased relatively. However, so far this year, at least the brawl in Johar Baru has occurred more than three times.

"Interestingly, there are indications that brawls can be stimulated by certain parties who may have hidden agendas," said Ida.

The condition of low education and weak skills makes this group of young people vulnerable, marginal, and even stigmatized.

"This condition cannot be separated from the socio-economic context of the slum, poor and congested people of Johar Baru," said Ida.

Therefore, the police and the government need to take a more persuasive and educative approach across citizen groups or across gangs, focusing on arts and culture activities and life skills training.