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View all search resultsWave of public facility theft raises concerns over investment in Riau Islands
Police are collaborating with various parties to prevent the theft of public infrastructure goods made of metal by syndicates known as "iron termites".
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Officers from the Nongsa Police sub-precinct in Batam city, Riau Islands, hold a meeting with scrap and used goods businesses on June 18, 2026, to prevent the theft of public infrastructure goods. Known as 'iron termites', the syndicates target any public infrastructure goods made of metal. (Courtesy of Nongsa Police/-)
P
olice in Riau Islands have uncovered the theft of public facilities and arrested more than 30 suspects in the past three months, which could disrupt public convenience and the investment climate in the province.
The issue was revealed by Riau Islands Police Chief Insp. Gen. Asep Safruding during a public discussion organized in cooperation with Police Studies Center of Raja Ali Haji Maritime University (UMRAH) held in Batam on Tuesday.
“At a glance, the issue looks simple, but it has a huge impact on the public and regional investment attraction. If we let it happen, social and economic costs borne by the state will be very high,” he told the discussion.
“Repressive law enforcement will not be enough without prevention collaboration. Police need policy recommendations based on academic study and commitment from management of industrial estates to strengthen integrated infrastructure security systems.”
He said although the thefts are considered conventional crimes, the accumulative impacts from public infrastructure damage were massive.
Attending the public discussion were representatives from the police, the Indonesian Military (TNI), the Batam Free Trade Zone Authority (BP Batam), the Batam Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and cross-disciplinary academicians.
UMRAH rector Agung Dhamar Syakti said security system improvement must be transformed by adopting Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) concept. This scientific approach emphasizes security-friendly public space management.
