The Jakarta Metropolitan Police’s Vital Object Security Directorate (Ditpamobvit) on Sunday launched a roller-skating patrol unit to enhance security and public engagement during the city’s weekly car-free day at Bundaran Hotel Indonesia, one of the capital’s main landmarks.
The unit was deployed along major thoroughfares including Jalan Jenderal Sudirman and MH Thamrin, where motorized traffic is restricted during the event.
Police Commissioner Imron Wahyudi, head of operations at Ditpamobvit, said the initiative was designed to improve mobility and enhance interaction with the public.
“We chose car-free day not only to introduce this team, but also to bring the police closer to the community,” Imron said. “Their presence is expected to provide both a sense of security and a form of public engagement.”
According to Imron, the use of roller skates allows officers to move quickly through dense crowds and access areas that are difficult for patrol vehicles to reach, improving response times to potential incidents.
The initiative follows direction from Dirpamobvit (director) Senior Commissioner Joko Sulistio and is part of broader efforts to strengthen security at vital locations across the capital, including industrial zones, shopping centres, tourist sites and foreign missions.
Ditpamobvit is responsible for safeguarding national vital objects and advising on security systems, as well as conducting audits and coordinating with other agencies to protect strategic assets.
During Sunday’s launch, officers patrolled the routes, assisted with pedestrian flow and interacted with residents, some of whom stopped to take photos.
The police said the roller-skating unit would complement existing patrol methods as authorities adapt to the challenges of policing in densely populated urban areas.