West Jakarta Mayor Dismisses 'Gotham City' Label, Reaffirms Public Safety

West Jakarta Mayor Iin Mutmainnah has dismissed the ‘Gotham City’ nickname bestowed by netizens on the administrative region she oversees. The nickname emerged following online discussions about rising evening criminal activity. Iin stated that the security and public order (kamtibmas) in West Jakarta is generally safe and under control. ‘Yesterday, when the ’Gotham City’ issue arose, I discussed it with the West Jakarta Police Chief. He provided data showing that crime rates in West Jakarta are not higher than other areas. On average, we are in a TKA (Terkendali Aman) condition,’ Iin said after leading the Community Early Warning Forum (FKDM) readiness rally at the West Jakarta Mayor’s Office on Monday (1/6). She noted that one indicator of West Jakarta’s continued stability is the high level of public activity at night, including use of both government and private sports facilities. This demonstrates residents feel comfortable engaging in activities late into the night. Nevertheless, authorities urge residents to take preventive measures for personal safety, such as avoiding non-essential nighttime activities and ensuring female residents have companions when out after dark. Regarding the ‘Gotham City’ moniker — a fictional city rife with crime in Batman comics and films — Iin stated this is purely fictional. In reality, she said, managing security dynamics requires active participation from all community members. As a mitigation measure, they are leveraging FKDM at the district level to map and guard crime-prone areas. FKDM is designed as a grassroots early warning system that synergises with the Three Pillars (TNI, Polri, and local government). ‘FKDM will cooperate and coordinate effectively with the Three Pillars. This shows West Jakarta is prepared to keep Jakarta safe,’ Iin stressed. In addition to intensifying security patrols, West Jakarta City Government is processing additional CCTV installations, particularly in social and public facilities (fasos and fasum) to monitor crime hotspots. She urged all entities, both government and private institutions, to independently maintain neighbourhood security by installing CCTV in their premises. ‘For collective security in fasos and fasum areas, it is the responsibility of relevant departments. We hope all locations, whether private buildings or government offices, have integrated security,’ Iin said.