TEMPO.CO, Bandung - West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi announced plans to form an Anti-Thug Task Force in response to rising cases of intimidation and extortion by groups posing as mass organizations.

These groups have been pressuring companies to hand over money under the pretext of Eid al-Fitr allowances (THR).

Speaking at the West Java Provincial House of Representatives plenary session in Bandung on Friday, March 21, 2025, Dedi stated that he had already coordinated with the Regional Police Chief and Military Regional Commander.

"I informed the House that I called them this morning. We might issue a decree tomorrow," he said via the House’s official YouTube channel.

Dedi expressed his concern about several cases of intimidation by organizations towards several companies ahead of Eid al-Fitr.

"People do not feel at ease because there are many people who claim to be from organizations, claim to be from non-governmental organizations, and openly engage in intimidation," he said.

He disclosed several cases. "In Bekasi City, security personnel were intimidated. In Bekasi Regency, one organization scattered trash in front of the Health Office even though they had apologized last night. The Subang Police Criminal Investigation Unit arrested 6 people who were extorting money in the Surya Cipta industrial area," said Dedi.

Dedi mentioned that the Surya Cipta industrial area is the location for the establishment of the BYD electric vehicle factory, which is planned to employ 16,000 workers.

"In the Surya Cipta industrial area, there is a BYD electric car company which will recruit 16,000 workers. And yesterday, all the issues were resolved. We will discuss the toll access on Monday, the electricity is already connected, and this year the recruitment will be conducted soon," he said.

Another case, he said, is related to labor exploitation.

"Labor exploitation in West Java is very high. There are many individuals, including officials, youth organization members, organization members, non-governmental organization members, village officials, and personnel managers who collaborate in recruitment and payment ranges from Rp3 million to Rp30 million per person, and it is openly done," said Dedi.

Dedi admitted that he will put an end to this practice by asking companies to directly access potential employees. "The process will be much faster there," he said.

He mentioned that labor exploitation practices should not occur again in West Java.

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