Three Foreign Nationals Become Victims of Mobile Phone Snatching in Central Jakarta, Perpetrators Target Those Who Are Inattentive on the Sidewalk

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Foreign nationals have become victims of mobile phone snatching in the Menteng area of Central Jakarta in two consecutive weeks in May 2026.

“It is true that there have been several incidents of mobile phone theft, specifically snatching, in the Menteng area, affecting both Indonesian and foreign nationals,” said the Head of the Menteng Police, AKBP Braiel Arnold Rondonuwu, when confirmed by Kompas.com via text message on Friday (15/5/2026).

Braiel stated that the perpetrators are targeting foreign national victims who appear inattentive on the sidewalk.

“The perpetrators are randomly targeting victims who appear inattentive on the sidewalk,” he said.

The snatched mobile phone has been found and returned to the victim, AS.

“The incident occurred on Jalan Kebon Sirih on May 8, 2026,” said Braiel.

Then, on Thursday (15/5/2026), an Italian national named CL was snatched in the Bundaran HI area.

CL’s mobile phone was snatched while he was waiting for an online ride.

As of now, the phone has not been recovered, and CL has reported the incident to the Menteng Police.

“We have not yet found any connection between the perpetrators or evidence of a coordinated group of snatchers,” said Braiel.

According to Braiel, prevention measures have also been implemented in collaboration with security personnel from office buildings and hotels, as well as increased security at Transjakarta bus stops.

“We are also conducting patrols during peak hours and in vulnerable areas,” he added.

Previously, a German national was a victim of snatching near the Pos Bloc area in Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta, on Sunday (19/4/2026). The victim lost a Samsung S23 mobile phone.