Repeat Offender Poses as Pecel Lele Worker to Steal Motorcycles Alone
The suspect confessed to committing crimes at 10 crime scenes, acting alone, by posing as a worker at pecel lele stalls or small eateries before stealing vehicles, said Cilandak Police Chief Kompol Gusprihatin Zen at Cilandak Police Station, South Jakarta, on Monday (25 May 2026).
The police chief stated the suspect operated not only in South Jakarta but also across other areas in the Jabodetabek region. “There were 10 crime scenes, including Bekasi, Depok, Cikarang, Tangerang, and Pasar Minggu,” he said.
Zen said AR applied for jobs at several pecel lele stalls, enabling him to commit thefts across multiple locations. “He applied for work, hence the 10 crime scenes. After two or three days, once he assessed the situation was favourable, he would pretend to work then steal the vehicle,” he added.
AR was arrested on Thursday (21 May) while attempting to collect payment for a stolen PCX motorcycle in Bogor. “We successfully seized one PCX motorcycle, with estimated losses of Rp35 million,” he said.
Zen revealed AR initially posed as an employee at a pecel lele stall. After working for a few days, he stole the motorbike. “His modus operandi was working at a pecel lele stall. After two or three days, once he deemed it safe, he would look for the owner’s motorcycle, which is usually parked there,” he said.
AR stole the motorcycle when the owner was away, taking it while parked. “Once the motorcycle was parked, he would take it. After police reports were filed promptly, AKP Suwarno and the operational unit acted immediately, leading to his arrest in Bogor,” he added.
AR faces charges under Article 477 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), carrying a maximum seven-year prison sentence. Police also indicated the penalty could be increased to nine years. “The maximum penalty is seven years or a fine up to Category V, Rp500 million. However, if the theft occurred at night, the sentence can be extended to nine years. This incident happened in the early hours,” he explained.
The suspect remains detained at Cilandak Police Station’s jail pending further legal proceedings.