The Ditreskrimum at the Polda Metro Jaya held a press conference to reveal 127 street crime cases, resulting in the arrest of 173 perpetrators.

progresifjaya.co.id, JAKARTA – The Polda Metro Jaya Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimum) has clarified the assumption that the highest number of robbery cases in Jakarta is in West Jakarta. The Director of Criminal Investigation of the Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Iman Imannuddin stated, that in fact, the highest number of robbery cases in the Polda Metro Jaya jurisdiction is in the buffer zone and West Jakarta.

Regarding the assumption that the highest number of robbery cases is in West Jakarta, Kombes Pol Iman continued, this is due to the rampant information circulating on digital channels and social media. However, robbery cases in other regions are also just as numerous.

“The amplification on several social media platforms is what makes it interesting. It seems as if they all occur in West Jakarta,” he said.

Kombes Pol Iman explained, that West Jakarta is demographically more diverse, both in terms of economic, social, and educational backgrounds. This is a factor influencing the high number of crimes there.

“West Jakarta is indeed quite heterogeneous, both in terms of social strata, economic status, and education, compared to other areas of Jakarta. Therefore, this is part of the factor influencing the increase in crime,” he explained.

He then compared how the phenomenon of mugging and other crimes is lower in South Jakarta. Besides being more dynamic in West Jakarta, West Jakarta also has high traffic compared to South Jakarta, which is largely the Central Business District (CBD), or main business center. This area is the center of elite and multinational offices in the capital.

“West Jakarta is predominantly residential. The population density is also higher, reaching almost 20.000 people per square kilometer, compared to South Jakarta, which is predominantly filled with commercial areas and open spaces. This also has an impact,” said Kombes Pol Iman.

He then further explored the balloon theory in the context of criminology and policing.  This theoretical analogy explains that if criminal activity is suppressed, eradicated, or prevented in one area, perpetrators often simply shift or disperse to commit crimes in other areas or areas with less stringent security measures.

When the balloon theory is in effect, spatial and tactical shifts occur. Perpetrators shift their operational locations to neighboring areas or other zones as authorities tighten patrols in certain areas. Then, if one type of crime or modus operandi (such as mugging) is eradicated, perpetrators can shift to other, less risky methods.

“So that’s the process in West Jakarta. The shift to the buffer zone. So, it would be more accurate to say that the highest number of mugging crimes occurs in West Jakarta and the buffer zone. Not just West Jakarta,” said Kombes Pol Iman.

Writer/Editor: Bembo