Mass organizations demanding holiday bonuses (THR) from businesses are causing concern ahead of Eid. Many companies face growing pressure to provide financial contributions, often against their will. Business owners report receiving requests framed as donations, but when they refuse, they encounter intimidation and disruption to operations.
Growing Concerns Over Holiday Bonus Extortion
These extortion attempts typically start with polite requests. Organizations send formal letters requesting holiday bonuses without specifying an amount. If businesses decline, threats follow. Some groups escalate by organizing protests, blocking roads, or finding faults in company operations. This disrupts logistics and causes financial losses.
During a Beritasatu TV interview, Soedeson Tandra, a member of the House of Representatives Commission III, criticized this practice. “In the field, many companies choose to avoid conflicts. Rather than facing repeated demonstrations, they prefer to give donations. This must be stopped, and local governments must intervene to prevent this practice from continuing.” He stated, as reported by suarakalbar.co.id.
The issue gained attention after a letter from the Community Empowerment Institute (LPM) of Bitung Jaya Village, Tangerang, went viral. It urged businesses to provide THR without defining an amount. The letter, signed by the village chairman, suggested contributions could be large or small but should be “received with joy.”
Government and Law Enforcement Take Action
The government is responding to the issue by coordinating with law enforcement. Officials emphasize that mass organizations must not misuse their status for financial gain.
Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry, Todotua Pasaribu, stressed the importance of addressing this situation. “This issue of mass organizations demanding THR is a very particular problem,” he stated. “And we continue to coordinate with law enforcement agencies to address it.”
Authorities urge local governments to take a proactive role. Soedeson emphasized that the Ministry of Home Affairs oversees mass organizations, but enforcement at the local level is crucial. He said, “Local governments should be better prepared by increasing patrols and providing guidance to mass organizations.”
Business Owners Speak Out on Extortion Threats
Business owners report that refusing demands often leads to operational disruptions. Some organizations stage protests under the pretense of workplace violations. Others impose unofficial “security fees” in exchange for preventing disruptions.
Edi Rivai, Director of Legal and External Affairs at Chandra Asri Group, called for clear legal enforcement. “What we ultimately hope for is legal certainty, business certainty, so that activities are not disrupted by mass organizations demanding THR,” he said, as reported by kompas.com.
A business owner in Cirebon, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his concerns. “If we refuse, they threaten to mobilize crowds to disrupt our project,” he stated. “We often find ourselves in a difficult position. If we report them, we fear retaliation. But if we comply, they keep coming back and it becomes a financial burden for our business.”
Impact on Investment and Business Stability
Extortion disguised as THR requests damages Indonesia’s business climate. Companies face unnecessary financial strain, and potential investors worry about instability. A recent report highlighted that industries in Indonesia lose trillions due to mass organization extortion, further exacerbating concerns over business security and investment risks. Such practices discourage business growth and threaten economic progress.
Police Chief Commissioner Sumarni in Cirebon addressed these concerns. “We will not tolerate individuals misusing organizations for personal gain, including engaging in extortion or harassing business operators. Anyone involved in such criminal activities will face legal action,” she declared, as reported by bandung.bisnis.com.
Law enforcement is not only responding with arrests but also implementing preventive strategies. Officers educate mass organizations on legal limitations, while businesses receive guidance on reporting extortion attempts.
Stopping Holiday Bonus Extortion: What’s Next?
Authorities urge businesses to report any extortion attempts. Cirebon Police, for example, provide a hotline for victims of intimidation. “Don’t be afraid to report. We guarantee the safety of anyone who has been a victim of extortion or intimidation. Business owners and the public can contact the national police hotline at 110 or Cirebon Police’s complaint line at 08112497497,” said Sumarni.
Preventive measures, such as increasing police patrols and cracking down on illegal activities, are crucial. The government also emphasizes the role of local officials in addressing these problems before they escalate.
With stricter enforcement and active reporting, authorities aim to eliminate holiday bonus extortion. Businesses should operate without fear of intimidation, ensuring a stable economic environment ahead of Eid and beyond.
Source: suarakalbar.co.id, kompas.com, bandung.bisnis.com
Image: Peoplesimages.com
