West Jakarta Motorcycle Theft Suspects Target Students with False Accusations

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Motorcycle theft suspects targeting students in Tambora, West Jakarta, are using psychological tactics to trick victims into handing over their vehicles. Tambora Subdistrict Criminal Investigation Unit Chief AKP Sudrajat Djumantara said the suspects, identified as AS and AP, employ psychological tricks to confuse victims. They deliberately approach uniformed students on the street, making baseless accusations or questions. Sudrajat explained the perpetrators often use mental intimidation by falsely accusing victims of crimes. “He accuses the victim of doing something they didn’t, such as stealing or hitting his sibling, as a ruse to trick them into following him,” Sudrajat said. Police confirmed no physical violence was used during the incidents. The suspects only used psychological tactics to deceive victims into following them to a predetermined location before stealing their motorcycles. They specifically target underage students unfamiliar with criminal cases. “The latest incident occurred on Bandengan Street in Tambora District. We are still investigating, but the modus operandi shows victims become disoriented and comply with the suspects’ requests, almost as if hypnotised,” Sudrajat added. The suspects were arrested in Pekojan, West Jakarta, around 6pm on Sunday, 24 May 2026, after their latest attack on Bandengan Street. Authorities have urged parents and students to remain vigilant while on the road. The suspects face charges under Article 492 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), carrying a maximum sentence of four years in prison. The public is advised not to trust strangers who approach and falsely accuse them, as they are vulnerable to fraud. “We urge all road users to be cautious and alert when approached by unknown individuals asking unclear or suspicious questions to avoid unwanted incidents,” Sudrajat said.