Bandung Residents Hire Multiple Escorts, Fearful of Rising Mugging Incidents

A wave of fear is gripping Bandung, Indonesia, as residents grapple with a surge in street muggings, locally referred to as 'begal.' The escalating incidents have made navigating the city, especially after dark, a source of considerable anxiety for many.

“

I didn't want to sacrifice one of the ojol drivers. That's why I ordered three so that we would all be safe.

One 21-year-old resident, Claudia, recounted an experience where she felt compelled to hire three online motorcycle taxi drivers for an escort home. The incident occurred after she attended a World Cup viewing party and needed to leave early for work the next morning. Concerned about the prevalence of muggings, she arranged for the three drivers to accompany her, ensuring none of them would face the risk alone. "I didn't want to sacrifice one of the ojol drivers," she explained, adding that the drivers themselves seemed aware of the risks and even coordinated with their network.

Another Bandung resident, Adinda Religia, 25, shared similar concerns. After hearing about specific 'red zone' areas notorious for muggings, she contacted the police emergency number to request an escort for herself and colleagues returning home late from work. The call to the police highlighted the extent to which residents feel vulnerable and are seeking official protection to ensure their safe passage through the city.

“

What's wrong, Ma'am? 'Yes, I'm afraid of muggers.' Then the Gojek response was, 'Oh, which area again?' 'This is so I can contact Prabu,' he said.

The fear of muggings has led to extraordinary measures, with residents resorting to hiring multiple transport providers or seeking police escorts. These actions underscore the growing public concern over safety and the perceived inadequacy of current measures to curb street crime in Bandung.

“

I called 110. I called because I was quite scared, and I tried calling and they answered, then I explained.