Legislator states optimisation of CCTV in Jakarta is now urgent
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Kevin Wu, a member of Commission A of the Jakarta DPRD, stated that the optimisation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) usage in Jakarta has become an urgent matter.
“I view the planned Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Jakarta Provincial Government and the Metro Jaya Police regarding the optimisation of CCTV usage as a positive step that is indeed urgent,” Kevin Wu said in Jakarta on Monday.
According to him, it is not enough for Jakarta to simply possess a large number of CCTVs. These cameras must be fully functional, integrated, actively monitored, and capable of enabling rapid responses to public order disturbances, street crime, brawls, muggings, snatch thefts, illegal parking, vandalism, and public space violations.
Furthermore, Kevin noted that Jakarta is currently transitioning towards becoming a global city. He assessed that a global city is defined not only by skyscrapers, modern transport, or international events, but also by the sense of security felt by residents and visitors.
“We must ensure that CCTV does not merely become a ‘digital ornament’—where cameras exist, but when an incident occurs, the footage is difficult to retrieve, it is unclear who is monitoring, or there is no swift follow-up,” Kevin remarked.
He added that CCTV placement must be based on vulnerability maps rather than random installation, prioritising crime-prone areas, public transport hubs, schools, markets, densely populated residential areas, tourist zones, and economic centres.
Additionally, he stressed that the privacy of citizens must be protected, as CCTV is intended for public security rather than spying on private lives or being misused by individuals. Therefore, there must be audits, access restrictions, and strict supervision.
“For me, the measure of success for this MoU is not the signing itself, but whether crime and public order disturbances can be prevented more quickly, perpetrators can be apprehended faster, and citizens feel safer. That must be our shared target,” Kevin asserted.
He concluded by adding that if Jakarta wishes to become a global city, public security must be elevated. CCTV must be utilised as the ‘eyes of the city’ working to protect citizens, rather than being mere tools that are installed and then forgotten.