Police statistics reveal that crime remains on a relatively high level over recent years,
but is not accelerating. We do not publish details since too few crimes are actually reported to the police, which obscure the statistics.

However, ARLA is well positioned to observe a worrying trend of increased burglary in elite residential areas. A majority of these crimes are targeted towards vulnerable, unguarded houses. A popular modus operandi is for members of a gang to drive around identifying targets, passing on the information to other members who then come back later and commit the crimes. It is quite common that two or three houses in close proximity will be targeted at the same time. The crimes usually take place at night and the gangs are looking for portable goods that can easily be carried away, like cash, laptops, mobile phones etc. Fortunately, Indonesian criminals are reluctant to use force and usually do not harm their victims.

Several leading embassies are posting reports on the web about the crime and safety situation, giving competent advice on how to deal with it. ARLA has identified the report out of the US embassy here as particularly comprehensive. Click the link below:

Indonesia’s transformation is not eventless. Prices for food and energy, particularly fuels, are hitting hard. Expectations of a better future are challenged, to make ends meet is a struggle and emotions often run high.

There are currently no indications of widespread unrest, as we mark the 10-year anniversary of the 1998 showdown. Yet, in Jakarta, we must be vigilant and deal with possible terrorist acts, increasing crime rates, Premans (Indonesia’s homegrown gangsters). Also petty everyday disturbances and crimes near or within our domestic premises and places of work. That is what ARLA is about.