DPR: TNI Can Support Polri in Tackling Street Mugging

Deputy Speaker of Commission I of Indonesia’s House of Representatives, Dave Laksono, stated that the military (TNI) can address street mugging incidents through auxiliary support mechanisms if the Indonesian National Police (Polri) require additional assistance to maintain public stability and security. He emphasised that any such involvement must be measured, legally justified, aligned with on-ground needs, and accompanied by robust inter-agency coordination. ‘The most pressing need for citizens right now is a tangible state presence,’ he said in Jakarta on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

Laksono added that public safety is non negotiable and the state must guarantee citizens can go about their lives without fear. He stressed TNI’s primary role is national defence, while maintaining public order falls under Polri’s jurisdiction. ‘Therefore, handling criminal acts such as street mugging is fundamentally the responsibility of police,’ he said.

However, he noted authorities must enforce street crime rigorously and ensure public spaces remain safe. ’ Commission I of the House of representatives supports strengthening inter-state institution coordination to safeguard national security and public order, ensuring all actions comply with legal and jurisdictional boundaries,’ he added.

Previously, Defence Ministry’s Information Bureau Chief Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait said TNI’s involvement in tackling Jakarta’s street mugging incidents is part of military operations other than war (OMSP). ’ Law enforcement remains Polri’s primary duty,’ he stated. ’ However, in OMSP contexts, TNI is tasked to assist local governments and Polri as per regulations,’ he told reporters in Jakarta on Tuesday. His remarks came in response to queries about Kodam Jaya deploying combat battalions to aid Polri in handling street mugging cases in Jakarta.