Two armed robbers steal Rp20m from Duren Sawit minimarket

Two armed robbers wielding a firearm and a machete stole Rp20 million from a minimarket on Jalan Taman Malaka in Duren Sawit subdistrict, East Jakarta. ‘I was tidying up and counting sales proceeds when someone walked in and opened the door themselves. One immediately pointed a pistol and told me to hand over all the money,’ said victim staff member Novita Anggraini. The two suspects committed the robbery on Friday (22 May) evening. The incident occurred around 10.13 pm and was captured on the minimarket’s CCTV footage. CCTV footage showed the suspects entering the store after closing time, when only staff were counting sales proceeds. Both suspects were seen wearing black jackets and hats. One suspect brandished a firearm at the staff member, while the other threatened with a machete to prevent resistance. The female staff member appeared terrified and complied with all demands to ensure her safety. Novi said the store door was unlocked at the time, allowing the suspects to enter easily. Novi stated she and a colleague were forced to the safe storage area by the suspects. Under threat of weapons, they had to hand over the sales proceeds stored in the safe. The suspects also demanded additional cash they believed was stored elsewhere in the store. ‘I told them there was no more money and urged them to check themselves,’ Novi said. After emptying the safe, the suspects locked Novi and her colleague in the store’s storage room to prevent them from seeking help. A few minutes later, Novi’s colleague forced open the storage room door, allowing them to escape, but the suspects had already fled the scene. ‘The total stolen was around Rp20 million. When we broke out, the suspects were already gone,’ Novi said. The victim suffered over Rp20 million in losses, representing several days’ sales from the minimarket. The robbery has been reported to police, with Duren Sawit Police Station officers conducting an investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and pursuing the fugitive suspects. Novi hopes the suspects are quickly apprehended, as the armed robbery has caused public concern and poses a danger to community safety, particularly minimarket staff working late hours.