Indonesian Police Dismiss Security Fears Over High Mall Fences

Indonesian police have addressed public unease surrounding the installation of high fences at several shopping malls in Jakarta and Surabaya. Police General Fadil Imran stated that current public security and order (kamtibmas) conditions are highly conducive, based on police data.

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So the public should not fall for issues that there will be worrying public security disturbances.

"As of today, based on DORS data, there is nothing significant, nothing," Fadil told reporters, urging the public not to over-interpret the increased physical security at malls. He likened the fences to standard security practices, such as people fencing their homes, and advised against constructing narratives that suggest impending disturbances.

Responding to questions about specific security preparations, particularly given that August has been associated with past unrest ('Prahara Agustus'), Fadil emphasized that the police are always on standby. "Police are never on special alert; we are vigilant every day. Brimob is vigilant, Sabhara is vigilant. So there is no (special security), it's normal, we are always vigilant," he said.

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I think it's normal for people to fence their homes, don't then build a narrative as if something will happen if a fence is built. I don't think that's the interpretation and translation.

Earlier, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan had indicated plans to address the high fences, expressing concern that they might create an impression of insecurity. He stated his desire for Jakarta to remain safe and comfortable, asserting that based on coordination with security and law enforcement agencies, the city's situation is currently stable. He cautioned against forming an image that Jakarta is "not doing well" when, in his view, it is secure.

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Don't let this become an image that Jakarta is not doing well. Even though, in my opinion, as the Governor of Jakarta, and I coordinate with security and law enforcement apparatus in various sectors, I believe that Jakarta is safe.