Jakarta. Jakarta is expanding its surveillance coordination with the Metro Jaya Police by integrating CCTV systems across the capital following a series of viral street crime incidents involving foreign nationals.

Governor Pramono Anung said improving public security has become a top priority, with the city administration seeking to strengthen early detection and monitoring capabilities through a more connected surveillance network.

“We will coordinate with the Metro Jaya Police so CCTV cameras across Jakarta — whether owned by the Jakarta administration, the police, other institutions, or buildings taller than four floors — can be properly integrated,” Pramono told reporters after inaugurating the Meruya Community Health Center in West Jakarta on Monday.

He said the integrated CCTV system is expected to function as an early warning mechanism to help prevent criminal activity across the city.

“If this can be implemented, it will become an early monitoring system to prevent people from committing crimes in Jakarta,” Pramono said.

The move follows a string of snatch thefts targeting foreign tourists in Central Jakarta over the past month.

An Italian national was robbed near the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout in Menteng last Thursday while waiting for an online ride-hailing service. According to witnesses, the victim attempted to chase the perpetrator before falling onto the street. The incident was captured on a passing driver’s dashboard camera, and the footage later spread widely across social media.

A Polish citizen also became the victim of a phone-snatching incident near the same area on May 8. Video footage showed the thief observing the target before fleeing on a red motorcycle after grabbing the phone.

Last month, a Dutch citizen was also robbed in front of Pos Bloc Jakarta in Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta. Police later arrested two suspects in connection with the case.

The victim, identified as Robin, said he was surprised to recover his phone after it had been stolen and expressed appreciation to Indonesian police for solving the case. Because the victim needed to return home immediately, police directly handed the recovered phone back to him.

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