PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan emphasized that the Bandung City Government (Pemkot) has reactivated the neighborhood security system (siskamling) and night patrols through the Warga Jaga Warga, Warga Jaga Kota program in all sub-districts and districts as an effort to strengthen security during the school holidays and anticipate criminal acts such as muggings.

This step was taken following the increase in cases of violence among students that occurred during the school holidays, so that it was necessary to strengthen environmental monitoring based on community participation.

Farhan said that students involved in violence would be handled through a coaching approach and enforcement of regulations to prevent a repeat of the behavior.

"Regarding security, violence among students is currently on the rise due to the school holidays. Therefore, we will take firm action and provide guidance," said Farhan at Bandung City Hall.

He emphasized that strengthening neighborhood watch (siskamling) is an important step to narrow the scope for criminals to move in the community.

The Citizens Protect Citizens, Citizens Protect the City program will be intensified throughout the city of Bandung by involving the active participation of residents in maintaining the security of their respective neighborhoods.

Farhan asked all sub-districts and districts to consistently revive night patrols as a form of joint vigilance against potential criminal acts.

"To anticipate muggings, neighborhood watch (siskamling) and patrols through the 'Citizens Guarding Citizens, Citizens Guarding the City' program will continue to be activated in all sub-districts and districts," he said.

He added that community involvement is an important factor in maintaining regional security in a sustainable and effective manner.

In addition to strengthening environmental security, the Bandung City Government is also preparing to enforce regulations at a number of points that often become gathering locations at night, especially in areas that have religious values and require order to be maintained.

The Bandung City Government hopes that strengthening neighborhood watch (siskamling) can increase public sense of security and reduce crime rates in urban areas.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)