Manhunt for Robbers in Jakarta: 16 Suspects Arrested in Three Days

The Metro Jaya Police’s Begal Hunter Team has arrested 16 suspects involved in street robberies in Jakarta and its surroundings over a three-day period from 18 to 20 May. According to Kombes Iman Imanuddin, Director of Criminal Investigation at Metro Jaya Police, eight suspects were secured on the first day, two on the second day, and six on the third day. Among the seized items is a firearm used by the suspects during the crimes. From early investigations, the perpetrators committed robberies for economic reasons and to fund drug purchases. ‘There are ones motivated by economic needs. Then there are those used to buy drugs,’ Iman said. ‘Because some of those arrests followed urine tests showing positive for amphetamine.’ Iman said authorities are continuing to deepen the investigations, including whether the suspects belong to a network. ‘We want to probe firstly any networking among their groups. Then whether there are other indicators that they acted in concert or in close timing in different parts of Metro Jaya’s jurisdiction.’ For their actions, the suspects face Articles 477, 478, 479, and 306 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, with a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment. Polda Metro Jaya has established the Begal Hunter Team to stamp out street crime that has unsettled the public. The team will be deployed at vulnerable points and operate around the clock to ensure the safety of the public. ‘Our teams, both at the district level and at the Metro Jaya Directorate of General Criminal Investigation, will be deployed across all areas under Metro Jaya’s jurisdiction,’ Iman told a press conference on Friday 15 May. Iman also said the team would be equipped with tactical gear, including helmets, vests, and firearms.