Sahroni Urges Police to Eradicate Pickpockets at PRJ: Don't Let It Become an Annual Problem!

A video circulating on social media shows a gang of pickpockets in action at the Jakarta Fair (PRJ) in JIEXPO Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. The footage shows a female victim browsing items at a booth before several perpetrators approach her and steal her mobile phone. Kemayoran Police Chief Kompol Agung Ardiansyah stated that the victim has reported the incident to the authorities and an investigation is currently underway.

In response to the incident, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Commission III, Ahmad Sahroni, has urged the police to immediately arrest the perpetrators and dismantle the pickpocketing syndicate. He also called for a breakthrough in security measures during the PRJ. ‘I ask the police to immediately arrest the perpetrators and uncover this pickpocket syndicate. It is concerning that for decades, PRJ has been synonymous with pickpockets. The slogan is always to watch your wallet and phone when going to PRJ because there are many pickpockets. This must be fixed,’ Sahroni said in a written statement on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.

Sahroni stated that the police and organisers must install extra CCTV cameras and ensure there are no blind spots. ‘There must be a breakthrough; this cannot become an annual problem. At the very least, the perpetrators must be caught and the victim’s belongings returned,’ he said. Sahroni considers the Jakarta Fair to be one of the biggest and most anticipated annual events for the people of Jakarta, making security a top priority. ‘PRJ is a people’s party that is eagerly awaited every year. The public’s enjoyment should not be disrupted by criminals who feel they can act freely. Therefore, there must be a security breakthrough. Place officers in many corners so that the public feels safe and can respond quickly if an incident occurs,’ said Sahroni.