Jakarta Gripped By Viral Thefts And Mob Justice

Jakarta has once again found itself in the spotlight as two brazen thefts, both caught on camera and spread widely across social media, have gripped public attention and reignited concerns about urban crime and community responses in Indonesia’s capital. The incidents, which unfolded in East and North Jakarta on consecutive days in late January 2026, have sparked debate about law enforcement effectiveness, the perils of mob justice, and the daily risks faced by ordinary citizens and workers alike.

On January 27, 2026, during the midday hustle on Jalan Raya Bekasi in Cakung, East Jakarta, a thief known locally as a ‘bajing loncat’ was filmed in the act of stealing cargo from a moving container truck. According to TribunJakarta.com, the perpetrator seized pieces of used pipe from the truck while traffic was at a standstill, seemingly unfazed by the presence of other motorists. The video, which quickly went viral, shows the thief acting with remarkable boldness, taking advantage of the congestion and the truck’s slow pace to make off with the goods.

The theft was only interrupted when a motorcyclist, witnessing the crime, alerted the truck’s assistant. In the video, the motorcyclist can be heard shouting, "Bajilo, bajilo. Bang belakang ada bajilo-bajilo," which translates to a warning about the ‘bajing loncat’ at the back of the truck. This timely intervention forced the thief to halt his actions, but not before he had already managed to take some of the cargo.

Police confirmed the incident after the video spread online. Kompol Widodo Saputro, the head of Cakung Police, stated, "Barang yang diambil potongan pipa bekas. Korban tidak melapor, untuk pelaku sedang dikejar dan sudah diketahui identitasnya," which means, "The stolen items were pieces of used pipe. The victim has not reported the incident, but we are pursuing the suspect, whose identity is already known." Despite the clear evidence and police pursuit, as of January 28, 2026, the truck driver or company had not filed a formal complaint.

This latest case adds to a growing list of similar thefts targeting trucks in the Cakung area. ‘Bajing loncat’—literally ‘jumping squirrels’—are notorious for targeting slow-moving or stationary trucks, especially during traffic jams. According to previous reports cited by TribunJakarta.com, such incidents have become all too familiar for truck drivers, who often fear both the loss of goods and the potential danger these thieves pose. Some drivers have even recounted harrowing experiences, such as being injured or having objects thrown at them from overpasses.

Just a day later, on January 28, 2026, another dramatic crime unfolded in North Jakarta, this time with a very different outcome. On Jalan Swasembada, Warakas, Tanjung Priok, a suspected motorbike thief, identified as JT, attempted to steal a black Honda Beat parked in front of a house. According to Metro TV, JT used a wrench to break the bike’s lock. However, his actions did not go unnoticed; neighbors spotted the theft in progress and immediately raised the alarm, triggering a chase through the neighborhood.

JT was eventually caught by an angry crowd, who proceeded to beat him before police arrived. The situation quickly escalated, with a large group gathering and tempers flaring. To prevent further violence and possible fatal consequences, officers from the Tanjung Priok Police Sector were forced to fire warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd. AKP Handam Samudro, head of the criminal investigation unit at Tanjung Priok Police, explained, "Because the number of people at the scene was quite large, officers contacted the standby unit to evacuate the suspect for further investigation at the police station." He added, "They [the suspects] were circling the Tanjung Priok area, and on Jalan Enim, Sungai Bambu, they found their target—a black Honda Beat parked in the yard. JT acted as the executor, breaking the lock with a wrench. But residents saw what was happening and shouted, alerting others and starting a chase."

While JT was apprehended, his accomplice, who acted as the getaway driver, managed to escape. Police have stated that the identity of the second suspect is known and that efforts to apprehend him are ongoing. JT now faces charges under Article 365 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, which covers theft with violence and carries a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.

The incident has reignited debate over the practice of ‘main hakim sendiri’—vigilantism or mob justice—which, while illegal, remains a recurring response to crime in Indonesia. The rapid spread of the video showing the crowd’s assault on JT has prompted both sympathy and criticism online. Some argue that community action is understandable given frustrations with crime and perceived gaps in law enforcement, while others warn of the dangers and injustices of taking the law into one’s own hands.

For law enforcement, these events highlight the challenges of maintaining order in a city as vast and complex as Jakarta. Both cases underscore the vulnerability of everyday people—truck drivers navigating congested roads, and residents simply parking their vehicles outside their homes. The police response in both incidents was swift but reactive, with officers forced to intervene after crimes were already underway or, in the Tanjung Priok case, after violence had already erupted.

These events also raise questions about broader systemic issues. Why do ‘bajing loncat’ thieves feel emboldened to act in broad daylight, even in heavy traffic? What drives communities to resort to vigilante justice rather than wait for police intervention? Some experts point to socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and lack of employment opportunities, as root causes of urban theft. Others highlight the need for better policing strategies, community engagement, and legal reforms to address both crime and the public’s trust in law enforcement.

For truck drivers and logistics companies, the threat of cargo theft remains a constant worry. Some have called for increased patrols in known trouble spots and better coordination between drivers, police, and local communities. Meanwhile, advocates for legal reform stress the importance of upholding due process and protecting suspects’ rights, even in the face of public anger.

As Jakarta moves forward, the dual challenge of preventing crime and curbing vigilantism remains at the forefront. The recent incidents in Cakung and Tanjung Priok serve as stark reminders of the city’s ongoing struggle to balance safety, justice, and the rule of law in an environment where trust and patience are often in short supply.

Ultimately, the city’s response to these incidents will shape not just public perceptions of safety, but the everyday realities of those who call Jakarta home. For now, the stories of a bold thief on a busy road and a would-be motorbike robber facing the wrath of an angry crowd remain etched in the city’s collective memory—cautionary tales of risk, resilience, and the complex dance between crime and community.