Unemployed Master's Graduate, Trapped by Online Loans, Robs Gold Shop with Toy Gun

A man with the initials RWP, aged 40, committed a robbery at a gold shop in Pucung Market, Cilodong, Depok, using a knife and a toy pistol. The case has drawn attention because RWP holds a master’s degree. Despite his high level of education, RWP was unemployed and trapped by online loans, a situation that drove him to commit the crime. The robbery occurred on Thursday, 28 May, at around 2.30 p.m. Western Indonesian Time. The suspect entered the gold shop by jumping over the display counter. Sukmajaya Police Chief AKP Rizky Firmansyah stated that after vaulting the counter, the perpetrator immediately pointed a knife at the victim. The victim attempted to fight back, but the suspect attacked again, kicking the victim in the left chest until they fell. The suspect then took money from the drawer of the shop’s display counter and fled, only to be caught by local residents. During his escape attempt, the suspect brandished a toy pistol to threaten the pursuing residents. Police confirmed the suspect managed to steal Rp20 million in cash, and no gold or jewellery was taken from the shop. Under interrogation, the suspect admitted he was desperate and felt cornered by his debts. Metro Depok Police Public Relations Head AKP Hendra confirmed that the suspect holds a master’s degree. The suspect himself stated that he resorted to theft because he was trapped by online loan debts, which he had taken out to meet daily living expenses after being dismissed from his job three years ago. He is charged under Article 479, paragraph 1 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of nine years in prison.