Jakarta Governor Says Economic Struggle Leads to Street Brawls

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo said he has studied the contributing factors to street brawls in Jakarta, one of which is linked to the economic condition of the residents who lack permanent jobs. 

Pramono also declared that he is responsible for fixing the issues leading to the rise in street brawls. "I'm not speaking for other regions, but as the Governor of Jakarta, I'm responsible to fix this problem," said Pramono on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

The governor also underscored the underutilization of sports facilities and other public places, something he said led to people's untapped potential not being properly channeled, which in turn led to brawls.

Pramono stressed the importance of cultural and religious approaches to tackle the issue, rather than solely blaming the conflicting individuals.

Meanwhile, to address the issue of street brawls in South Jakarta's Manggarai, Pramono initiated the 'Manggarai Berselawat' program. He mentioned that resolving the recurring issue of brawls required understanding and addressing its fundamental causes. 

Pramono explained that the mass recitation of the shalawat (salutation to Prophet Muhammad) aims to tackle brawls using cultural and religious methods. The program will involve bringing together the groups of residents who are often in conflict.

"I will start what is called Manggarai Berselawat. I will invite the conflicting groups there, including residents of Neighborhood Units (RW) 04, RW 05, or any other relevant RW, to sit down together," said Pramono in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

The politician from PDIP also mentioned the possibility of expanding similar programs to other areas in Jakarta. Regarding the specific details of how the joint prayer program will be implemented, Pramono only stressed that the approach will be adapted to the specific characteristics of the local community. He noted that the majority of Manggarai residents are Muslim. "They pray regularly, but brawls still happen frequently. So, this is for us to reconcile together," he said.

Prior to this announcement, a brawl occurred in the Manggarai area of Tebet, South Jakarta, on Sunday night, May 4, 2025. Tempo observed that brawls in Manggarai happen almost every year.

According to the South Jakarta Metropolitan Police Chief Commissioner Ade Rahmat Idnal, brawls in the Manggarai area have been a long-standing issue, dating back to the 1970s. Ade stated that the reasons for the brawls vary, but they are often triggered by minor issues, ranging from firecracker incidents and accidental bumps on the street to disputes involving women.

"If you search online, this has been happening since the 1970s. Sometimes it's due to small problems, firecracker issues, accidental collisions, and sometimes issues related to women," Ade told the media on Friday, May 9, 2025.

Editor’s Choice: Jakarta Governor Plans 'Manggarai Berselawat' Program to Tackle Brawls

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