THE existence of the thugs known as preman in the daily life of Indonesia is a reflection of the chaotic state of our legal system. The fact that the police are not always present provides an opportunity for these thugs to take the law into their own hands. Unfair application of the law means that their services are always required. Jail, which is no deterrent, has led to these preman spreading everywhere.

In many major cities, thug gangs compet