Bandung Police Intensify Patrols Amidst Surge in Robberies

Robberies have become a growing concern in Bandung, Indonesia, with incidents occurring frequently, day and night, leading residents to label the city a 'red zone' for such crimes. Social media has been abuzz with reports of these street crimes. Recent data reveals a series of robbery cases in the past two months. In early May, a package delivery courier was targeted during daylight hours. Mid-June saw two assailants armed with sharp weapons attack an online ride-hailing driver. On July 14, a victim was robbed by individuals posing as debt collectors in the Regol district; police apprehended three suspects within two hours. Another incident on July 16 involved the snatching of a mobile phone, with one perpetrator caught while another remains at large. Most recently, on July 17, a man was injured while defending his belongings from a group in the Maranatha Campus area. The Bandung City Police (Polrestabes Bandung) have acknowledged the rise in robberies following public feedback. AKBP Dedi Supriyadi, Deputy Chief of Polrestabes Bandung, stated that night patrols, known as Kegiatan Rutin yang Ditingkatkan (KRYD), have been intensified, particularly focusing on vulnerable spots during early morning hours. He emphasized that law enforcement will take firm action against street criminals causing public unrest and urged citizens to report incidents via the emergency number 110. West Java Regional Police Chief Inspector General Pol Pipit Rismanto has also ordered all police personnel to take decisive action against robbers. However, he stressed that such measures must be "measurable, proportional, and respect human rights." Rismanto identified combating robberies as a top priority for the police in West Java, noting it as a significant public expectation. Rismanto further highlighted that tackling robberies requires more than just police efforts, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration with all stakeholders and the community. He called for a responsive and collaborative approach involving not only the police and relevant agencies but also all elements of society.