Indonesian National Police Address High Fencing in Malls: Do Not Create Alarming Narratives
The Indonesian National Police (Polri) have responded to the viral trend of high fences being installed in several shopping malls in Jakarta and Surabaya, East Java. The National Police Chief’s Assistant for Operations, Commissioner General Fadil Imran, stated that according to police data, the current state of public security and order (kamtibmas) remains highly conducive.
“As of today, based on the Daily Operating Reporting System (DORS) data, there are no prominent incidents,” Fadil told reporters at GOR UNJ, East Jakarta, on Saturday (1/8). Fadil requested that the public avoid excessive interpretations of the phenomenon of malls strengthening their physical security. He noted that installing fences is a normal action for property owners.
“The public should not be misled by issues suggesting that disturbances to public order are imminent,” he said. “It is common for people to fence their homes; do not allow a narrative to be built as if building a fence implies something bad is about to happen. I do not believe that is the correct interpretation,” Fadil continued.
When asked about specific anticipatory measures by the police, particularly given that August is often associated with the ‘August Storm’ events of last year, Fadil mentioned that the National Police are always on standby without needing a specific trigger. “The police never have ‘special’ anticipation; we are on standby every day. Brimob (Mobile Brigade) is on standby, Sabhara (Patrol) is on standby. There is no special security; we are always alert,” he said.
Previously, the Governor of Jakarta, Pramono Anung, stated his intention to regulate the installation of high fences in several malls and office buildings, as they create an impression that the area is unsafe. “I am closely monitoring the installation of fences in several places that have become very high. Personally, as the Governor of Jakarta, I certainly want Jakarta to remain safe and comfortable,” Pramono said at the Hotel Borobudur, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (1/8).
Pramono does not want the presence of excessive high fences in malls and offices to create an image that Jakarta is in an insecure condition. He noted that based on coordination with security and law enforcement agencies, the situation in Jakarta is currently stable. “We must not let this create an image that Jakarta is not doing well. Based on my coordination with security and law enforcement agencies across various sectors, I am confident that Jakarta is perfectly safe,” he asserted.