Bandung Declared 'Red Zone' as Robberies Surge; Police Boost Patrols

Bandung, Indonesia, is facing a growing wave of street robberies, commonly known as "begal," with incidents now occurring almost daily and extending beyond nighttime hours into the daytime. The alarming frequency has led residents to dub the city a "Red Zone" for robberies, expressing widespread concern over public safety.

Recent incidents highlight the severity of the problem. In early May, a package courier was targeted in broad daylight. Mid-June saw two armed individuals attacking an online motorcycle taxi driver. More recently, on July 14, a resident was robbed using a debt collector ruse, though police apprehended three suspects within hours. Just two days later, a man was robbed of his phone, with one suspect caught and another still at large. The latest incident on July 17 involved a man injured while defending his belongings from a group of attackers near Maranatha University.

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We from Polrestabes Bandung are responding to input from the people of Bandung, where robbery incidents are starting to become rampant again in Bandung City.

The Bandung Metropolitan Police have acknowledged the resurgence of street crime. Wakapolrestabes Bandung AKBP Dedi Supriyadi stated that the police are responding to public feedback regarding the increase in street crimes. "We from Polrestabes Bandung are responding to input from the people of Bandung, where robbery incidents are starting to become rampant again in Bandung City," he said.

In response, the police have intensified night patrols through Routine Enhanced Activities (KRYD). Each police station is now assigned to monitor at least four to five high-risk locations, particularly during vulnerable early morning hours. "We are increasing night patrol activities, which are called KRYD, routine enhanced activities, and Alhamdulillah, all police stations are guarding at least around 4-5 points. Especially during the night, particularly during vulnerable hours, the small hours, we are intensifying patrols even better," Dedi explained. He assured the public that the police would take firm and measured action against street crime perpetrators, urging citizens to report any disturbances by calling 110 for a swift response from their Prabu team.

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We are increasing night patrol activities, which are called KRYD, routine enhanced activities, and Alhamdulillah, all police stations are guarding at least around 4-5 points. Especially during the night, particularly during vulnerable hours, the small hours, we are intensifying patrols even better.