Middle East Tensions: North Jakarta Leadership Urged to Remain Vigilant

Jakarta (ANTARA) — The North Jakarta Metro Police have requested the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimko) in the area to heighten vigilance concerning the current escalation of the situation in the Middle East.

“Given the escalation in the Middle East situation, all regions need to increase their vigilance,” said North Jakarta Metro Police Chief Senior Commissioner Erick Frendriz during a Forkopimko coordination meeting in Jakarta on Monday.

According to him, the city government must anticipate potential impacts from national issues and certain groups to prevent undesirable consequences. “Coordination is necessary to address unforeseen possibilities,” he said.

He added that regarding territorial security, authorities must remain vigilant about areas prone to street fighting, illegal racing, and activities that could potentially disturb public safety and comfort during religious observances. “This is what we must emphasise to maintain a safe and comfortable situation throughout Ramadan until Eid al-Fitr,” he said.

The police chief previously urged the public to actively participate in safeguarding the area to prevent anarchic actions. “As we know, recently there has been information and movements attempting to repeat what happened last August — we did not know where they came from, then they gathered and attacked public facilities and police offices,” he said.

This was conveyed during a joint roll call with community organisations, community leaders, and religious leaders in North Jakarta. “Keep your eyes and ears open for tonight and the coming days so we do not repeat what happened previously,” he said.

He noted that in August 2025, a group of people threw objects at the North Jakarta Metro Police headquarters. Subsequently, provocateurs incited nearby residents to join in the attack as well. “These people are trying to create trouble. They then flee. Once arrests are made, they have already escaped — this is not what we want,” he said. “I believe we all here agree that our region must be safe and peaceful,” he said.

Earlier, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo instructed his administration to prepare for potential crises amid the conflict between Iran and Israel-America. “I have informed the state-owned enterprises to always think about crisis preparedness. So if there are shortages in certain products, we must prepare for them,” Pramono said.

Pramono expressed hope that the conflict would not last long. However, as Jakarta’s leader, he also recognised that the situation would affect the capital, particularly in the supply of goods and services. “First, the supply chain runs through the Strait of Hormuz, where over 30 percent of global oil passes through. If this strait is closed, the impact will extend further, and transportation costs for goods will increase, which will inevitably affect prices,” Pramono said.