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 illuminated, students noted that lighting conditions change outside the central area.

Areas Frequently Mentioned

Respondents identified several locations where lighting remains inadequate, including roads behind Universitas Bengkulu, Pematang Gubernur, areas near Danau Dendam Tak Sudah, Kualo, Bentiring, Tanjung Agung, Air Sebakul, and routes toward the beach. According to students, some of these roads are commonly used for commuting between campus, boarding houses, and residential neighborhoods. Despite frequent use, lighting distribution in these areas is described as uneven.

Safety Beyond Crime

While concerns about robbery and harassment were mentioned, students emphasized that poor lighting also increases the risk of accidents. Limited visibility makes it harder to detect potholes, uneven surfaces, or road damage. Some respondents also expressed concern about groups gathering in darker areas, which heightens feelings of insecurity.

“Sometimes the only light comes from the motorcycle,” one student said, explaining how that condition can feel unsafe late at night.

Changing Student Behavior

The issue has influenced how students organize their nighttime activities.

Some choose to avoid going out alone. Others prefer longer routes with better lighting. A few said they rely on food delivery services instead of traveling through dark areas. However, several students also noted that urgency plays a role in their decisions. If an activity is important, they will still go out despite the conditions.

Who Is Responsible?

Most respondents pointed to the local government as the primary authority responsible for public infrastructure, including street lighting. They argued that as Bengkulu continues to grow as an education hub with a significant student population, infrastructure improvements should prioritize safety in frequently used areas. At the same time, some students acknowledged the importance of personal caution when traveling at night.

A Basic Need in a University City

For many students, proper street lighting is not simply about comfort, it represents security and accessibility. As Bengkulu develops, students hope that improved and evenly distributed street lighting will follow, ensuring that safety remains present even when the city grows quiet at night.