DKI DPRD Urges Jakarta Guard Task Force Activation Post-Matraman Clash

JAKARTA - Member of Commission A of the DKI Jakarta DPRD Kevin Wu asked the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to strengthen the role of the Jakarta Watch Task Force and the Early Warning Forum for the Community (FKDM) following the clashes between residents in the Matraman and Menteng areas, Jakarta, a few days ago. According to him, the incident became an alarm for the local government to strengthen efforts to prevent social conflicts at the neighborhood level. Kevin assessed that the police's steps in handling the case needed support until the investigation was completed. On the other hand, he asked the public to keep the situation conducive while waiting for the results of the investigation. "I am concerned about the clash incident that occurred last Sunday in the Matraman area. The steps of the police in investigating, securing, and investigating the incident must be supported. And I hope that the community can also remain calm while waiting for the process from the police to run until it is completed," said Kevin, Tuesday, July 28. Based on the information that has developed, the clash in Matraman is suspected to have started from a dispute between buyers and traders of uduk rice due to payment issues. However, recently there have been other allegations that lead to disturbances of public order which then trigger the emotions of residents. The police are still investigating the exact cause of the incident. As a member of the DKI DPRD Commission A which deals with government affairs, including public safety and order, Kevin assessed that the DKI Provincial Government was not enough to rely solely on the police and Satpol PP to maintain security in the region. According to him, the Jakarta Task Force and FKDM should be the front line to detect potential conflicts early. "Community tranquility and order are things that cannot be underestimated and must be guaranteed. In fact, in addition to the police and Satpol PP (Village Police Unit) themselves, the DKI Provincial Government has also activated the Jakarta Guard Task Force. FKDM is also an important element that cannot be forgotten," said Kevin. "The task force, together with the FKDM, which also involves residents, not infrequently community leaders, should be further empowered as the front line of the DKI Provincial Government in anticipating, preventing, and mitigating incidents such as clashes between communities," he added. Kevin also asked the DKI Provincial Government to evaluate the existence of the Jakarta Watch Task Force in conflict-prone areas, including in the Matraman clash site. According to him, the government needs to ensure that the unit is actually actively carrying out the function of prevention, not just administratively formed. He proposed that members of the Jakarta Watch Task Force and FKDM be equipped with counseling and training to deal with social issues that have the potential to develop into open conflicts. "It needs to be checked, whether the Jakarta Task Force was active at the location of the clash yesterday and other places. And how is the FKDM. If there is, it needs to be collected and given training. So that, residents who are members of the task force can also anticipate, mitigate, and more importantly prevent the occurrence of social conflicts that can quickly turn into large riots," he added. Source: VOI English