Police Investigate Possible Network Behind Foreign Tourist Robberies in Central Jakarta

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Police are investigating the possibility of a network of perpetrators behind two robberies targeting foreign nationals that occurred in Central Jakarta in the past month.

Menteng Police Chief Braiel Arnold Rondonuwu said that police are still investigating whether the perpetrators of the robberies in the Hotel Indonesia (HI) roundabout area, Menteng, and Sawah Besar are the same group.

“So far, we are working to maximize our efforts. Regarding whether the perpetrators in Sawah Besar or Menteng are the same or part of the same network, we have not yet found any evidence,” said Braiel, Friday (15/5/2026), as quoted from Kompas TV.

The incident occurred while the victims were waiting for an online taxi on the side of the road.

“At that time, the victims were waiting for an online taxi to pick them up,” said Braiel.

“While the victims were waiting for an online taxi on the side of the road, they were suddenly approached by a motorcyclist who immediately snatched their belongings,” he added.

The robbery was caught on a driver’s dashboard camera and went viral on social media.

In a video uploaded to the Instagram account @jakpus.terkini, the victim is seen standing on the side of the road in front of the HI Kempinski while playing on their mobile phone.

The victim chased after the perpetrators and eventually fell on the road in the HI roundabout area.

Braiel said that the victim, who is an Italian national, has been questioned by investigators.

“We will immediately question the victim, who is an Italian national. And we are working to find clues around the crime scene to uncover the perpetrators,” he said.

In response to the series of cases, Braiel said that his office will coordinate with hotel management in the Sudirman-Thamrin area to ensure that online transportation services can pick up guests directly at the hotel lobby.

“We will coordinate with hotel management to see how online transportation, both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles, can be accommodated to pick up guests at the hotel lobby,” said Braiel.