South Jakarta Police are investigating a suspected pickpocketing incident involving a foreign national near the Setiabudi LRT Station and the Setiabudi One complex after footage of the alleged theft circulated widely on social media.
The incident, which reportedly took place on a pedestrian walkway in the Setiabudi area, was captured by an eyewitness and later uploaded online. The video prompted officers from Setiabudi Police to visit the location and interview the person who recorded the footage as part of their investigation.
Setiabudi Police Chief AKBP Riyanto said officers had immediately followed up on the viral video by inspecting the scene and speaking with the eyewitness, who is understood to be a trainer at a gym in the Setiabudi One complex.
“We have followed up by checking the crime scene and meeting with the person who recorded the video (a trainer at the Setiabudi One gym). Because the video is fragmentary and his face is unclear,” Riyanto told Kompas.com via text message on Wednesday (1 July 2026).
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Police Continue Investigation Despite Limited Evidence
Riyanto said investigators had also attempted to identify the suspect by reviewing CCTV cameras installed around the pedestrian area. However, no useful footage was obtained.
“We have checked the crime scene for CCTV (no results),” Riyanto said.
Police have yet to receive an official report from the alleged victim. According to investigators, the victim may not have realised that personal belongings had been stolen, which could explain why no complaint has been filed.
“We are also trying to locate the victim, as the pickpocketing likely occurred because the victim was unaware of the loss of his belongings, as we have not yet received a report regarding the incident,” he added.
Although the victim has not been identified and CCTV footage has not provided clear evidence, officers are continuing efforts to identify the man seen in the viral video wearing a hoodie and carrying a backpack.
“We are still investigating the perpetrator wearing the jacket or hoodie,” Riyanto said.
Police Increase Patrols Following Viral Incident
In response to the incident, Setiabudi Police have stepped up patrols in areas considered vulnerable to street crime, particularly around Setiabudi and Kuningan, where pedestrian traffic is high.
“We are also patrolling the area, with both uniformed and plainclothes officers,” Riyanto concluded.
Police have advised residents, commuters and visitors using the pedestrian walkways in the area to remain vigilant, keep their belongings secure and immediately report any suspicious activity to nearby building security personnel or the nearest police station.
According to accounts shared on social media, the suspected pickpocketing was first noticed by a fitness trainer and several gym members exercising at Setiabudi One, who observed suspicious activity outside the building.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the perpetrators were operating as a group and appeared to pass the stolen item between one another to avoid detection.
“There were many perpetrators, hand-to-hand. I just saw it firsthand because I was informed by a member who was on the treadmill,” wrote the Instagram account @coach.fasya.
The circulating video shows a man wearing a hoodie and carrying a backpack crossing the pavement before briefly looking back. Police are continuing their investigation to establish the identity of the suspect and locate the alleged victim.
