Civil Coalition Criticises Military Deployment to Tackle Muggings in Jakarta

The Civil Coalition for Security Sector Reform has criticised the deployment of military personnel to address street robberies in Jakarta. Representative of the Civil Coalition, Imparsial Director Ardi Manto Adiputra, deemed the plan to deploy combat battalions by Kodam Jaya as misguided and excessive. The coalition argued this signals a blurring of defence and security functions in Indonesia, as involving the military in civilian crime like muggings contradicts security sector reform principles. “Which could lead to repressive and excessive violence in civilian spaces,” he stated in a written statement on Monday (25 May). The coalition reminded that reform mandates require an end to military dominance in civilian affairs and ensure the TNI focuses solely on national defence. Ardi stated that repeatedly deploying the military to address street robberies and domestic security issues signifies a regression from reformist ideals and demonstrates failure to strengthen civilian institutions meant to be the primary enforcers of law and public security. The coalition stressed that the TNI is a national defence tool designed to counter external armed threats and war, not to handle general criminal activity among the public. “Street robberies, violent theft, and urban security disturbances fall under civilian law enforcement, the responsibility of police and local governments,” he explained. In the context of Jakarta’s muggings, the coalition views local governments as bearing significant responsibility for preventive and mitigative measures. These efforts, he said, could include mapping high-risk areas, improving street lighting, installing CCTV at crime hotspots, and educating the public on night-time road safety. “Meanwhile, the police have a constitutional mandate to conduct security patrols, investigations, enforcement, and legal action against offenders,” the coalition stated. “Therefore, military involvement in tackling muggings is unnecessary. The presence of combat troops in civilian spaces risks disproportionate violence and heightened human rights violations,” it added. Previously, Kodam Jaya stated it would deploy soldiers to assist police in hunting down muggers, which have recently surged in Jakarta and surrounding areas. Kodam Jaya Public Affairs Chief Lt. Col. Arh. Noor Iskak said one of the TNI’s tasks in non-war military operations (OMSP) is to assist police duties. “During patrols, we support as requested by Metro Jaya Police, while legal enforcement against muggers remains the police’s responsibility,” Iskak said when contacted on Monday (25 May). He explained that personnel deployed for patrols are Kodim units according to their respective regions. “Additional personnel from other units will bolster patrols as requested by Metro Jaya Police,” he added.