IPW: Police Must Find Intellectual Actor In Johar Baru's Brawl

Photo file - Anadolu Agency

JAKARTA - Acting Chairman of Indonesia Police Watch (IPW) Sugeng Teguh Santoso highlighted the phenomenon of brawls that occurred in a number of areas in Jakarta. Especially in the Johar Baru area, Central Jakarta, which claimed the life of an online motorcycle taxi driver.

According to IPW's observations, the phenomenon of brawls is not only the duty and responsibility of the Police in maintaining public order. Rather, it is the duty of all elements of society, from religious leaders, community leaders to local governments and other institutions.

"This brawl is a social phenomenon, not just a legal phenomenon. The issue of brawls between students, between villages and between gangs is in the realm of a socio-political phenomenon. So the root of the problem must be found," said Teguh when contacted by VOI, Thursday, August 19.

The social phenomenon in question is a brawl among students who are motivated to look good. They, said Teguh, would feel a higher position if they dared, injuring the enemy and imprisoned.

"This is a psychological side that makes them rise in the social strata of their group," he said.

The phenomenon of brawls, he continued, is a reflection of a society that is already worried about its future, regarding an uncertain life.

"It is suspected that there are groups that are mobilizing. The groups that move this have power with certain goals, this is a social phenomenon," he said.

In this case, the police are only on the edge of the problem when they have a brawl. However, the police can take preventive steps by detecting pockets or villages that often fight.

"The police can take preventive measures by prioritizing religious scholars. Religious leaders, community leaders and local governments must collaborate. Don't just put the burden on the police, moreover the police power at the Polsek level when compared to the number of people is very far away," he said.

In addition, the police must also look for the masterminds and provocateurs of the inter-regional brawls that keep repeating themselves.

"Intellectual actors or those who instigated the brawl must be arrested," he said.)