5 Facts About the Lanyard-Wearing Thief Who Targeted Luxury Jakarta Hotels
A man stole from a five-star hotel in the Karet area of Central Jakarta by disguising himself with a lanyard. A number of facts have since emerged from the case.
As compiled by detikcom on Tuesday (17/2/2026), the theft occurred on Tuesday (10/2) at approximately 12.41 local time. The act was captured on the hotel’s CCTV cameras.
Police subsequently managed to arrest the perpetrator, identified as a man with the initials NW (43).
“The Mobile Crime Sub-directorate of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police’s General Criminal Investigation Directorate arrested a man with the initials NW (43), suspected of committing thefts at several luxury hotels in Jakarta,” said Jakarta Metropolitan Police Public Relations Chief Commissioner Budi Hermanto on Monday (16/2).
“The perpetrator carried out his actions by disguising himself as an employee or event participant, wearing batik and a lanyard so as not to arouse suspicion,” he continued.
Police revealed several facts regarding the suspect’s methods.
Laptop and Lanyard Seized
The suspect was arrested on Friday (13/2) in the Matraman area of East Jakarta after his identity was uncovered. A number of items of evidence were secured during the arrest.
“Police seized several items of evidence, including one laptop belonging to the victim, a lanyard, sunglasses, a black bag, a batik shirt, jeans, and shoes worn during the commission of the crime,” Budi explained.
Suspect Frequently Targeted Seminars
Police revealed that NW frequently targeted seminar events at hotels. The suspect would enter wearing smart clothing resembling that of an office worker, along with a lanyard and batik shirt to deceive victims.
“The suspect is believed to have targeted seminars or meetings at starred hotels. He entered with a smart appearance resembling an office worker, wearing batik and a lanyard, and carrying a bag, enabling him to freely take victims’ belongings left unattended,” said Budi.
Suspect Acted as Sole Perpetrator
Budi stated that NW acted as the sole perpetrator. In carrying out his crimes, the suspect exploited victims’ lack of vigilance.
“The suspect took advantage of the busy atmosphere of hotel events. By appearing like a participant or employee, he was able to freely enter meeting rooms and take victims’ belongings left unattended,” he said.
Disguised as Employee or Participant
In carrying out his crimes, NW frequently disguised himself as an employee or event participant. This was intended to avoid arousing suspicion.
“The perpetrator carried out his actions by disguising himself as an employee or event participant, wearing batik and a lanyard so as not to arouse suspicion,” said Budi.
Victim Lost Laptop and Cash
As a result of the theft, the victim suffered the loss of a black rucksack containing a mobile phone, a laptop, and Rp 300,000 in cash. At the time, the victim had left their belongings in a meeting room.
“The bag containing the mobile phone was placed on a chair, whilst the laptop was under the table. When the victim returned, all the belongings were gone. The victim then reported the incident to Tanah Abang Police Station,” he explained.
NW has now been taken into police custody and is undergoing examination by investigators from the Mobile Crime Sub-directorate of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police’s General Criminal Investigation Directorate.
“Police are also investigating the possibility of other crime scenes linked to the suspect’s activities,” he added.