TNI Commander Allows Troops to Assist in Combating Street Robberies

TNI Spokesperson Brigadier General Muhammad Nas stated that TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto has granted permission for troops to assist in tackling street robberies. ‘There are no specific instructions from the TNI Commander for an anti-mugging operation, but he has approved the military’s involvement under the principle that soldiers’ presence on the ground is part of supporting the police,’ Nas said, as reported by Antara on Wednesday (27/5/2026).

According to Nas, the TNI will not directly participate in arrests, legal enforcement, or suspect interrogations. Their role, he added, is limited to assisting the police in ensuring public safety from muggings.

To prevent overlapping duties between the TNI and police on the ground, Nas confirmed enhanced coordination to maximise the response to street robberies.

‘The TNI and police always coordinate and collaborate within their respective duties and authorities to ensure operations comply with applicable laws,’ he said.

Street robberies have recently surged in several areas, including Jakarta, with frequent incidents in West Jakarta.

West Jakarta’s City Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimko) plans to install CCTV cameras at high-risk locations following the rise in mugging cases.

‘The first measure involves installing CCTV at vulnerable points, either independently or by urging all entities in West Jakarta—including buildings, offices, and businesses—to enhance their own CCTV security,’ said West Jakarta Mayor Iin Mutmainnah in Jakarta on Friday (22/5).

The city administration will officially issue a formal notice to local institutions and businesses regarding CCTV installation.

‘We will issue the advisory letter to implement the Governor of Jakarta’s directive to strengthen security in the area,’ Mutmainnah added.