Trucks Targeted: 'Asmoro' Gangs Prey on Drivers Ahead of Eid al-Fitr
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Cilincing Police Chief, AKP Bobi Subasri, has urged truck drivers to be aware of ‘asmoro’ theft gangs ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
According to Bobi, this type of theft, which targets trucks, usually increases in the run-up to Eid.
“It is likely that all types of crime will increase before Eid,” Bobi said when contacted by Kompas.com on Thursday (26/2/2026).
To avoid becoming a target for ‘asmoro’, Bobi reminded truck drivers to ensure that the cargo they are carrying is properly secured and locked, especially when stopping or parking.
“Do not leave vehicles unlocked, even if it is only for a short time,” he said.
In addition, Bobi advised drivers to install additional locks or security padlocks on the doors of the truck bed, boxes, or tools.
“Do not store tools or valuables in plain sight, which could tempt criminals, and immediately report any theft to the nearest police station,” he added.
Bobi added that the ‘asmoro’ phenomenon is different from ‘bajing loncat’ (jump-in) or robbery, and targets tools found in trucks.
‘Asmoro’ is a term for thieves who target trucks or extort truck drivers.
Previously, it was reported that two ‘asmoro’ suspects stole from a container truck on Jalan Akses Marunda, Cilincing, North Jakarta, on Wednesday (25/2/2026).
Based on a video uploaded to the Instagram account @jakut_update, a man wearing a black jacket and trousers tried to pull an item from a moving truck.
The video was recorded from a vehicle directly behind the truck. The sound of the truck’s horn can be heard several times as the two men commit the theft.
Shortly afterwards, the man wearing the black jacket is seen taking an object that is believed to be a jack.
According to the caption on the post, this act is referred to as the ‘Asmoro’ phenomenon. It is said to occur frequently and harm drivers.
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