Citizen-Led Innovation in Gandaria Utara: Installing Digital Access Gates to Prevent Motorcycle Theft

Residents of RT 11 RW 7 Gandaria Utara, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, have installed a gate with digital access to deter crime in their neighbourhood. The move follows rising cases of theft, particularly of motorcycles, in the area around their homes. The head of RT 11, Ima Bustomi, highlighted that South Jakarta is generally classified as a red zone for motor vehicle theft (curanmor). Each Kartu Keluarga (KK) receives an access card that can be affixed to the scanner to open the gate. According to Ibas, the system is regarded as more effective than employing security guards, which would incur higher costs. The procurement process was undertaken by the community themselves. From purchasing materials online to installing components, the work was carried out jointly by residents. The funding comes from government-budgeted operating funds, with no extra charges levied on residents. ‘Perhaps people might think, ’Oh, luxurious, it must be expensive,’ but actually it is affordable. The operating cost of Rp 2,500,000 has already been covered,’ Ibas explained. He added that the use of a digital system was inspired by security at office buildings that had already adopted similar technology. ‘Everything is being digitalised now. Are we still using the old conventional system with chains, then a portal, which is not very effective,’ he said. Nevertheless, Ibas recognised that criminals may still study and seek loopholes to outsmart the system. However, he considered the security measure still important, especially to reduce residents’ anxiety at night. In addition, Ibas has been in touch with other RT leaders in the RW 7 area to build similar systems so that inter-neighbourhood security can be interconnected.