Member of Commission III of the DPR, Gilang Dhielafararez, highlighted the phenomenon of street crime, especially the Begal action which is currently rampant in the capital. He assessed that the difficult economic conditions were one of the triggers for increased criminality so that there must be improvements from the government.
"Any form of crime, including begal, cannot be tolerated, and must be dealt with firmly. But we also can't turn a blind eye, the difficult economic conditions are one of the root causes of the increasing crime rate," said Gilang Dhielafararez, Tuesday, May 26.
Gilang assessed that the prosecution of crimes must be in line with prevention, including addressing the underlying background of the criminal act itself.
"We need to realize together that this surge in street crime is a combination of high frustration due to economic pressure, unemployment, to crime patterns that are still considered effective and fast by perpetrators, especially for those who feel desperate," he said.
Gilang also touched on the weakening of the rupiah, which had penetrated the level of Rp. 17,600 per US dollar, which had suppressed people's purchasing power and triggered people's economic vulnerability. The weakening of the rupiah caused a spike in the prices of imported food and raw materials, which immediately cut people's financial ability.
"High living costs, coupled with the risk of job termination (PHK) in various sectors usually trigger an increase in economic distress among certain groups. This distress is directly correlated with the prevalence of street crime," explained Gilang.
Therefore, according to Gilang, this phenomenon of increased street crime must be overcome comprehensively. Such as improving economic conditions, job security, business facilitation, and various other stimuli.
"So this is a PR that must be worked on together, both the Government, law enforcement, business actors, and all related stakeholders to be able to suppress the severity of the economic conditions that cause crime to increase," said Gilang.
In terms of law enforcement, Gilang assessed that this crime could not be done only by taking action against the perpetrators but must be overcome with various approaches. "I understand that the actions of the beggars are now very disturbing and make people angry, and cause fear for the community. But repressive action alone is not enough, including the threat of shooting on the spot. There must be improvements in all lines that are carried out continuously," said Gilang.
This member of the DPR legal commission said that the prosecution of street crimes such as begal must also be accompanied by improvements to infrastructure such as public street lighting and CCTV, massive routine patrols, especially in vulnerable points, to eradicate the network of begal groups. Gilang also emphasized the importance of addressing the market for stolen goods, which increases the chances of crime.
"And the case of the gang, which has acted hundreds of times in a few months, is also proof of a serious gap in early detection and mapping of perpetrators. This factor should receive intervention," explained the PDIP legislator from the Central Java II District.
Gilang also reminded that the spike in street crime should be read not only as a security issue, but also as an indicator of social-economic pressure in urban areas. "If the handling is only focused on arresting the perpetrators without correcting the root of the economic problem and social inequality, then the cycle of crime has the potential to continue to recur," said Gilang.
On the other hand, Gilang reminded the public to increase vigilance on the road. He also encouraged residents to continue to monitor the development of information regarding the begal crime, including understanding the modus operandi that perpetrators often carry out so that they can immediately avoid and seek help.
Starting from avoiding crossing deserted or poorly lit streets alone, especially late at night, to carrying personal safety equipment such as pepper spray. Especially in red zone areas such as West Jakarta which has been dubbed 'Gotham City' by netizens.
"When you are in a desperate situation and your life is threatened, still prioritize your safety," concluded Gilang.
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