When the Lights Fade: Students Raise Night Safety Concerns in Bengkulu
A poorly lit road near Universitas Bengkulu at night. Several students report feeling unsafe when passing through dark areas after 9 p.m. (Photo by: rbtvcamkoha) BENGKULU — As night falls in Bengkulu, some streets grow noticeably darker. While the city center remains relatively bright, several areas outside it are described by students as poorly lit and increasingly concerning after 9 p.m. Based on interviews with students from Universitas Bengkulu, uneven street lighting has become a recurring issue that affects their sense of safety and mobility at night. Many students said they begin to feel uncomfortable when traveling after 9 or 10 p.m., particularly when roads become quieter and public activity decreases. “I feel most unsafe when the street is already empty and the lighting is minimal,” said one interviewee. Others explained that darkness makes it difficult to see clearly and increases anxiety, especially when traveling alone. Although downtown Bengkulu is generally well illumi...