Residents and Police Foil Teenage Brawl in Depok

Jakarta (ANTARA) - A number of residents helped police foil a group of teenagers suspected of planning a street brawl on Jalan Rawasari Cipayung, Depok City, West Java, in the early hours of Saturday (21/2).

“The role of residents is crucial. Collaboration like this helps prevent incidents that could endanger the teenagers themselves as well as the surrounding community,” said Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) Public Relations Head Commissioner Budi Hermanto in Jakarta on Sunday.

According to him, the teenagers had arranged to meet at the location between groups from Kampung Rawasari and Kampung Pulo.

However, when they gathered at the agreed point, residents immediately dispersed the crowd and secured them to prevent street violence. The group of teenagers was found carrying light bulbs and golf clubs.

They were subsequently taken to Pancoran Mas Police Station for registration and preliminary examination. They were then handed over to the Community Guidance Unit (Satuan Binmas) of Depok Metropolitan Police for mentoring through an intensive religious programme held on Saturday (21/2) at 4.00 pm local time at Al Ikhlas Mosque within the Depok Metropolitan Police compound.

According to Budi, preventing brawls cannot rely solely on the police but requires the vigilance of residents and the cohesion of all parties within the community.

He urged the public not to hesitate to report any activities that could pose a threat to security.

“If the public requires police assistance or encounters a disturbing incident, please immediately contact the toll-free Call Centre on 110. Every report will be followed up,” Budi said.

Furthermore, he expressed hope that the mentoring programme would serve as a deterrent, raise awareness among teenagers to stay away from brawls, and strengthen the synergy between the police and the community in maintaining a safe and conducive public order situation, particularly during night-time hours.