Indonesia minister blames police inaction for rise in vigilantism

Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Prisons, has pointed to a lack of police prevention as the primary cause behind the recent surge in vigilantism across the country. Mahendra stated that insufficient police intervention allows mobs to freely assault alleged offenders, warning that such actions, if continued, could evolve into severe human rights violations.

He urged the police to enhance their vigilance and conduct regular patrols. Mahendra emphasized the need for swift police action in response to criminal activity before enraged citizens resort to taking matters into their own hands. The minister stressed that police should not permit individuals to act outside the law with impunity against suspected perpetrators.

Recent incidents highlight the severity of the issue. In Bali, a man identified as KD was beaten to death by a mob on July 24, 2026, after being accused of stealing two chickens. Police have arrested five suspects in connection with the incident, which was fueled by residents' anger over recent livestock thefts. Separately, in Morowali, Central Sulawesi, an employee of PT IMIP, identified as S, died after being attacked by a mob on July 25, 2026, for allegedly stealing a motorcycle from a minimarket.