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Southeast Asia’s second safest city steps up crime crackdown following tourists’ complaints

Samira Vishwas | June 2, 2026 3:24 PM CST

Tourists gather on a skywalk in Jakarta, Indonesia, Dec. 30, 2021. Photo by Reuters

Authorities in Jakarta, ranked Southeast Asia’s second safest city after Singapore in the 2026 Global Residence Index, are intensifying efforts to combat a surge in street crime following a series of violent robberies and muggings targeting foreign tourists that have triggered public concern and widespread discussion online.

Indonesian authorities plan to integrate around 24,000 CCTV cameras across Jakarta by 2027 in coordination with the Metro Jaya Police as part of a broader effort to enhance public safety and strengthen security across the capital, Jakarta Globe reported.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said improving public security has become a top priority, with the city administration aiming to enhance early detection and monitoring capabilities through a more integrated and interconnected surveillance network.

Separate videos that have circulated online in recent months appear to show armed motorcycle thieves brandishing what look like firearms in broad daylight across various parts of Jakarta, further fueling public concern over street crime and tourist safety, The Straits Times reported.

Just weeks earlier, on May 8, a Polish tourist had his bag snatched by a motorcyclist in Jakarta’s Kebon Sirih area.

On May 14, an Italian tourist was robbed of his mobile phone by a motorcyclist near the iconic Hotel Indonesia Roundabout in Menteng while waiting by the roadside for a ride-hailing service.

Dashcam footage of the incident shows the victim chasing after the suspect before falling onto the road.

Many social media users compared Jakarta to “Gotham City,” the fictional crime-ridden home of Batman.

Jakarta police said they had solved 171 street crime cases and arrested 103 suspects in the first five months of 2026, amid growing public concern over a spate of robberies in the capital.

Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, received 3.44 million foreign arrivals in the first quarter, up 8.62% year-on-year and marking the strongest quarterly performance since 2020.