Amnesty International Criticizes Governor's Bounty for Capturing Muggers

Amnesty International Indonesia has sharply criticized a "wanted poster" initiative launched by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, which offers rewards for citizens who capture muggers and other street criminals. The organization argues that such a policy is legally flawed and dangerously encourages vigilantism.

Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, stated that ensuring public safety and order is the responsibility of the governor and the provincial police chief. He called Mulyadi's initiative unnecessary and described the police's accompanying advice to "act firmly but don't kill" as legally reckless. Hamid suggested that the governor and police chief should instead focus on practical security measures like increasing patrols, installing integrated CCTV systems, improving street lighting in crime-prone areas, and expediting responses to public reports.

Hamid further explained that involving untrained civilians in apprehending armed criminals poses significant risks. He contended that this approach contradicts the principles of community policing, which emphasizes preventive collaboration rather than empowering citizens to execute or directly apprehend offenders. The organization believes the governor's plan could legitimize mob justice.

Echoing these concerns, former Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, and Investment Yusril Ihza Mahendra also advised against the bounty. He warned that in the current difficult economic climate, such a reward could motivate people to take matters into their own hands, potentially leading to innocent individuals being wrongly accused and harmed. Mahendra urged the governor to reconsider the initiative.