Police say street crime is evenly spread across Jabodetabek; why is West Jakarta under the spotlight?

JAKARTA — The Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) says that street crime cases are spread across their jurisdiction, even as West Jakarta has become the focus of public attention due to viral cases on social media.

‘Today, based on data and the actual facts, these street crimes are quite widespread in locations,’ said Kombes Pol Iman Imanuddin, Director of General Criminal Investigation at Polda Metro Jaya, at a press conference at the Metro Jaya Police Headquarters on Friday, 22 May 2026.

‘What is interesting, however, is the amplification carried out on several social media platforms that makes it seem as if it occurs entirely in West Jakarta,’ he added.

‘This is also what we are currently probing—to determine whether there is something that amplifies to present or to spark fear among the community,’ Iman said.

Nevertheless, Iman acknowledged that crime figures in West Jakarta have indeed risen in recent times. Based on investigations, there are several factors influencing the condition: differences in social strata, economic conditions, population density and traffic, and local community habits.

‘West Jakarta is quite heterogeneous—in terms of social strata, economy, and education compared with other parts of Jakarta—so that also contributes to the relatively increased criminal acts,’ he explained.

Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations at Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto, said that one of the posts under investigation is the admission by a model with initials ADV alias AWS that she was a mugging victim in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta.

The inquiry is being conducted to explore the motive of the person, whether there is a plan by certain groups to create a climate of fear by posting and admitting that the person is a victim.

In the last three weeks, the police have captured 173 street crime suspects. Some of them used firearms and bladed weapons during the offences.