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BANDUNG – A viral video featuring the Chair of the West Java Executive Board of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (DPP APINDO Jabar), Ning Wahyu, highlighting the surge in extortion and gang-related activities disrupting businesses in Garut, has prompted a swift inter-agency response. Ning announced that APINDO is preparing to launch an anti-extortion pilot project in Garut, in collaboration with West Java Regional Police (Polda Jabar), Korem 062 Tarumanegara, and the Garut Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda).

“We highly appreciate the firm response from law enforcement and the local government as a demonstration of their commitment to creating a safe and conducive investment climate,” Ning stated in her official remarks on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

In response to the rise in criminal disruptions to business operations, a coordination meeting was held involving key stakeholders: West Java Police represented by Director of General Crimes Commissioner Surawan, Korem 062 Tarumanegara represented by Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Inf. Hamzah Budi Susanto, Garut Regent Dr. Abdusy Syakur Amin, Deputy Speaker of Garut’s Regional House Ayi Suryana, Commander of the 0611/Garut Military District Lt. Col. Andrik Fachrizal, Garut Police Chief AKBP Mochamad Fajar Gemilang, Garut District Prosecutor’s Office representative Yudi Nugroho, and Garut APINDO Chair Tedy Golsom, along with local entrepreneurs.

During the meeting, Ning Wahyu delivered a presentation outlining the pressing challenges faced by business actors. Beyond issues like tariff reciprocity, she highlighted concerns such as high logistics costs, legal uncertainty, bureaucratic hurdles, politicization of labor, and, most critically, organized extortion.

She emphasized that criminal disruptions can occur throughout the entire business cycle, from industrial construction to workforce recruitment.

“The methods vary — from intimidation to baseless lawsuits,” Ning explained.

She identified the root cause as a desire among local communities to be involved in industrial activities without the necessary skills or adequate understanding of how such sectors operate.

As a long-term solution, West Java APINDO is offering a community education-based approach that includes building understanding around business mindsets, workplace standards, buyer compliance, and business opportunities. This will be supported by both soft skills and technical training to enable meaningful and professional local participation.

The West Java Police expressed their readiness to establish industrial security posts and act swiftly on any reports. The military, through Korem and the local Kodim, committed to proactive engagement without waiting for formal requests, demonstrating a clear stance in protecting investors. The Garut Police reiterated their zero-tolerance policy toward criminal intimidation and extortion in the region.

Meanwhile, the Garut District Attorney’s Office pledged to give special attention to relevant cases to ensure a deterrent effect. On the regulatory front, the Garut Regional House expressed support for accelerating the development of integrated industrial zones to streamline the licensing process.

Garut Regent Abdusy Syakur Amin and his administration declared full support for APINDO’s program and commended the organization for its role in educating, training, and empowering communities around industrial areas. The Regent has also instructed the Investment Office to ensure that licensing processes run smoothly and efficiently.

Ning Wahyu expressed her appreciation for the swift and collaborative response by all stakeholders. She stressed the importance of eliminating non-substantive disturbances that burden business operations and urged for Garut to become a model region free from extortion — a thriving, secure, and modern business ecosystem.

“Let’s make Garut a model of professional, collaborative growth — a safe haven for investment and an engine of sustained economic development,” Ning concluded.

Source: rejabar.republika.co.id