West Jakarta Motorcycle Theft Gang Arrested, Operations Last Seconds

Kalideres Police Station has apprehended a motorcycle theft gang that frequently operated in West Jakarta. Five suspects, ranging from the thieves to the receivers of stolen goods, were arrested by police. Kalideres Police Station Chief Kompol Rihold Sihotang stated the gang had committed over 10 thefts across various locations. The five arrested suspects are identified by the initials RD, PM, MA, YD, and AH. “We have apprehended suspects responsible for stealing motorcycles in the Kalideres subdistrict area. The incidents occurred at varying times, including evenings, early mornings, and repeatedly,” Rihold said in a statement on Tuesday (26 May 2026). Kalideres Police Station’s Investigation Unit Chief AKP Rachmad Wibowo added they had operated at seven crime scenes, all centred in Tegal Alur Village, Kalideres, with other incidents occurring in different areas. Rachmad explained the gang exploited unattended vehicles, requiring mere seconds to break locks and flee with the motorcycles. “They scout for opportunities and strike as soon as they deem it safe, taking the bikes in seconds. They use T-shaped keys for all thefts,” he said. The suspects targeted quiet, unpopulated areas. They were arrested at their respective homes scattered across different locations. Suspect RD attempted to resist arrest, prompting police to take measured action, shooting him in the leg. “Some suspects operated four times, others nearly three times, and some over ten times across West Jakarta, not just Kalideres subdistrict,” he added. Police suspect the gang is part of an organised network affiliated with specific groups. The five suspects hail from different regions, including Lebak in Banten and Tulungagung in East Java. “We are still investigating. It appears they are linked to Lebak group. The suspects vary, some operate within our jurisdiction, others outside, particularly from Tulungagung,” he said. Stolen motorcycles were sold cheaply for between Rp 3 million and Rp 4 million in Rangkasbitung, Banten. Proceeds from the sales were used by suspects to buy narcotics. “Indeed, some suspects admitted using the proceeds to purchase drugs and crystal methamphetamine,” he added. Police seized key evidence, including T-shaped keys used in the thefts. All five suspects face charges under Article 477 of the Criminal Code, carrying a maximum seven-year prison sentence.