Residents Already Suspicious of Activities of Hundreds of Foreign Nationals in Hayam Wuruk, Arriving in Groups Without Interaction

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The activities of hundreds of foreign nationals (WNA) in an office building in the Hayam Wuruk area, West Jakarta, had already aroused suspicion among local residents before the police raided it in connection with a cross-border online gambling (judol) operation. Several residents expressed bewilderment as the building, previously known as a shopping and office hub, suddenly became filled with a constant stream of foreigners and online motorcycle taxi drivers delivering food every day. “If we’re suspicious, yes, we’re suspicious. As residents, seeing it bustling every day makes us wonder what kind of work this is,” said Darma (56), a local resident, when met at the location on Monday (11/5/2026). According to Darma, the suspicious activities had been noticeable for about the last month. He mentioned that groups of WNA arrived in clusters almost every day, especially in the mornings. “Eight people arrive in the morning, then another four come. It’s like that every day. Even at night, it’s always busy,” he said. Darma stated that the WNA rarely interacted with local residents. They were also said to almost never leave the building except for specific purposes. Their daily food needs were more often ordered through online motorcycle taxi services. “Gojek and Grab come here every day. Morning, noon, night, even at dawn. They never buy from nearby stalls. And their orders are large; once I asked and it was nearly 1 million,” he said.