As Long as This Mugging Modus Operandi Remains Effective, It Will Continue to Be Tried

Jakarta, KOMPAS.com - Criminologist and Professor at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at the University of Indonesia, Adrianus Meliala, says that the surge in mugging and snatch-and-grab incidents in Jakarta is due to the criminals still considering the pattern effective. According to Adrianus, perpetrators of mugging generally rely on speed, surprise, and intimidation to disable victims on the street. “Robbers and snatchers rely on speed, unpredictability and intimidation. As long as this modus operandi remains effective, it will continue to be attempted. It is as simple as that,” he told Kompas.com on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. The condition of victims being alone on deserted roads from evening to early hours makes it easier for the perpetrators to carry out their actions. “Then being cornered by more than one person suddenly and armed with sharp weapons. It is hard to defend oneself,” he said. Therefore, Adrianus urged the public to avoid travelling alone in such quiet locations, especially at night. “Thus, to stay safe, this modus needs to be countered with its opposite: do not travel alone, especially on deserted roads or at night,” he said. Adrianus’s statement comes amid a surge in mugging and snatch-and-grab in several Jakarta areas in recent weeks. Meanwhile on Jalan Arjuna Selatan, a mugging victim was hacked with a celurit after attempting to defend his motorcycle. A similar case also occurred in Gunung Sahari, Central Jakarta, when four perpetrators armed with sharp weapons robbed a motorcycle and a mobile phone from two teenagers on a deserted street at night.