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US Embassy reminds citizens in Jakarta to raise security awareness
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Jl. Kemang Raya in South Jakarta, the scene where two brawls occurred on March 5 and 6. (kompas.com/Ridwan Aji Pitoko)
T
he United States Embassy in Indonesia issued a security alert for its citizens in Jakarta on increasing crime in some parts of the capital.
Through a statement published on its official website on Tuesday, the embassy mentioned several recent crimes that had occurred in the city, as reported by the police and media.
“Violent assaults against or among patrons at bars and clubs along Jl. Kemang Raya [South Jakarta] have been reported, in some cases perpetrated by groups of males on motorcycles. Individual women walking alone have also reported instances of being groped by a male motorcycle driver,” they said.
In order to prevent its citizens from getting involved in such crimes, the embassy reminded parents to counsel their children, especially teens, about the availability of alcohol and drugs in nightlife venues in Jakarta.
“[…] and remind them that drug offenses are treated severely under Indonesian criminal law,” they continued.
The embassy also reminded its citizens to stay aware of their surroundings, especially on crowded streets and in shopping areas.
“Vary your routes and times so as not to be [too predictable in terms of time or place], always carry a cell phone, stick to reputable taxi companies and do not physically resist any robbery attempt,” it said.
The most recent incident in Kemang occurred on March 5, when a motorbike gang rampaged through Jl. Kemang Raya. They caused damage to property and parked vehicles while injuring at least four bystanders.
Less than 24 hours earlier, a member of the police's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) was found bleeding outside Dronk bar and restaurant, and was a victim of an alleged mob beating. (vla)
