Integrated Rural Security Innovation: Evidence from Village Information Systems and Crime Mapping in Indonesia

Abstract

Recent years have seen a rise in crime in rural areas, leading to fear and insecurity among residents. This increase is influenced by a lack of security personnel, ineffective community patrols, and low awareness of security measures. Economic factors like poverty and unemployment also contribute to this problem. This study uses panel data from the 2018-2022 PODES and SUSENAS surveys to examine how increased security personnel affect crime rates and reporting in Indonesian villages. Employing a propensity score matching (PSM) model, the research also considers other factors such as village information systems, regulations, and socioeconomic conditions. The findings indicate that more security personnel significantly reduce crime rates. Furthermore, a stronger village information system positively impacts crime reporting, which, in turn, helps to decrease crime. This research highlights the interconnectedness of crime and reporting in rural Indonesia and shows that boosting security and improving village information systems are effective strategies for both crime prevention and encouraging reporting. The innovation of a crime map could also assist in these efforts.