Central Java Police arrest hundreds in street crime crackdown

Suspected street criminals sit before a police officer at the Central Java Police headquarters on May 3. - JP

JAKARTA: The Central Java Police have arrested nearly a thousand suspects in a sweeping crackdown on street crime, amid nationwide effort to combat racketeering and extortion that business leaders warn are undermining Indonesia’s economic climate.

Central Java Police Deputy Chief Brig Gen Usman Latief said authorities arrested 888 men and 28 women during a province-wide operation from May 12 to 31, targeting gangs, rogue mass organisations and street crime.