Elderly Nasi Uduk Seller in Bekasi Unable to Resume Trade After Rp 700,000 Stolen
A 65-year-old nasi uduk seller in Bekasi named Atnah has fallen victim to theft, leaving her unable to continue her trade.
“What was stolen was my capital and earnings. I’ve stopped selling now because I have no capital left,” Atnah said on Friday (20/2/2026).
She recounted the incident to Bekasi Mayor Tri Adhianto, who visited her on Thursday (19/2). Atnah lost Rp 700,000, stolen by a man who pretended to order four packets of nasi uduk.
The theft occurred on Tuesday (17/2) at approximately 07.30 local time at Atnah’s selling spot on Jalan Bulak Tinggi, Pondok Melati, Bekasi. Atnah said she had no reason to be suspicious of the man at the time.
She immediately set about preparing the four packets of nasi uduk as ordered. While she was busy packaging the food, the perpetrator took all of her money, which was kept in a biscuit tin.
“I was wrapping the orders and wasn’t looking. Suddenly the man just took my money. When I checked, it was all gone,” Atnah said.
Atnah earns her living selling nasi uduk and lontong sayur. She cooks alone from 01.00 in the early hours at her home in RT 04 RW 03, Jatiwarna sub-district.
When the nasi uduk and lontong are ready for sale at around 05.00, Atnah walks approximately 350 metres to her selling location, carrying her goods by hand.
Police Investigate the Case
Police are looking into the theft. Officers visited the elderly vendor, but the victim has accepted the loss and forgiven the theft.
“Information from the Criminal Investigation Unit Head at Pondok Gede Police Station indicates the victim is unwilling to file a report and has accepted her loss,” said Bekasi Metropolitan Police Public Relations Officer AKP Suparyono on Thursday (19/2).
Despite the victim not filing a police report, officers are continuing their investigation. Police have taken statements from witnesses and are gathering evidence related to the case.
“Preliminary steps have been taken. The case is being handled by Pondok Gede Police Station,” he said.
Police have also secured CCTV footage for investigative purposes. The identity of the male thief is still being established.