Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud Md, stated that many retired generals of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) have been backing the mafia. They are allegedly involved with the illegal land and mining mafia.
Minister Mahfud said this situation has been going on for a long time, although he has not revealed any names -- for now.
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"My reports found a lot of people have been backing the mafia, this general, that general," said Mahfud at a press conference at the office of Coordinating Ministry of Political, Legal and Security Affairs in Jakarta, Thursday (15/12).
Minister Mahfud wondered why a retired soldier could still use his powers when that person is no longer active on duty. He already asked the law enforcement to take actions against the mafia, including their backing.
"I said, take them. I told the police: take them. People who have retired, how come they still have do this?" Mahfud remarked.
"Maybe soon there will be an announcement of the suspect," he said.
Mahfud emphasized that he does not want the mafia to control land without a permit, because that results in the local community suffering.
"I told the regional police not to allow it like this to take control of a private complex without a permit, without an official letter, (and) collect money from the public," he said Mahfud Md.
Son of President Also Knows
Recently, the Mayor of Solo Gibran Rakabuming in Middle Java also talked about the illegal mining in neighboring region Klaten.
Gibran, the eldest son of President Joko Widodo, said that the Regent of Klaten told him about the illegal mining problem in his region, however Gibran is unable to do anything since it's outside his area.
"The regent has several times complained to me. Their backing is terrifying," tweeted Gibran in late November when a netizen reported to him about the case.
Gibran said he already knew the person responsible, but the young mayor does not publicly reveal their identity.
Minister Mahfud wants cases of illegal land and mining to be opened and resolved immediately. He said that if we are afraid to act, this problem will not be resolved, and the authorities will lose the trust from the public.
"We, I, Mr. Kapolri (the Chief of National Police Officer), and Mr. Panglima (the Military Commander) are committed to solving this," he said. "If this stays afloat because of fear, when will it be finished?"
Writer: Safinatun Nikmah.
Muhammad Genantan Saputra from Merdeka.com contributed to the article.
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