inp.polri.go.id - Purwokerto. Public policy expert from Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) Slamet Rosyadi said that handling various acts of thuggery must involve all parties as it cannot be done by the government alone.

"Handling thuggery cannot be done alone by the government as the problem is very complex," said Slamet in Purwokerto, Banyumas, Central Java, Friday (5/30/2025).

He said the root of the problem of thuggery is mainly in the problem of empowerment and economy, which must be the focus from the government.

According to him, one of the causes of people getting involved in thuggery is the poverty factor due to minimal access to obtain employment.

Therefore, Slamet assessed that the problem must be overcome with economic policies such as policies that open up wide employment opportunities for the community including access to education and health.

"The point is that the government must pay close attention to the community," he said.

In addition, according to Slamet, collaboration with civil society is needed because the government cannot only enforce the law in dealing with thuggery.

He acknowledged that law enforcement is important because the state, through law enforcement instruments such as the police, has a vital role in eradicating thuggery.

"But it will not be effective if it is not supported by how to strengthen community organizations. Civil society organizations, religious organizations, youth organizations, these people and groups must also be involved in finding the best solution to overcome this thuggery issue," he explained.

Regarding Operation Aman 2025 held by the police to combat thuggery, he said that the operation carried out by law enforcement officers was also important asIndonesia has laws and tools to enforce the law.

"It is important, yes, but  as I said earlier, it was not enough. It needed a solid strategy and collaboration with other programs such as the economy, strengthening civil society, and how to open more wider access to the education and health sector," he said.

Thus, he said, the community would not make thuggery a job or would not participate in thuggery.

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