Indonesia Minister Warns Against Mugger Bounty, Fears Vigilantism

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, and Immigration Yusril Ihza Mahendra has cautioned West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi against his proposed bounty for capturing muggers, warning that such a scheme could encourage vigilantism.

"Such a bounty should not be held because it will provoke the public," Yusril stated, as reported by Detikcom. He expressed concern that in the current difficult economic climate, the lure of a Rp5 million to Rp10 million reward could drive people to take matters into their own hands, potentially leading to violence. "People are already preparing their machetes and carrying clubs," he added, fearing that innocent individuals might become victims of mistaken accusations.

Amnesty International Indonesia shares these concerns, with Executive Director Usman Hamid stating that the bounty risks legitimizing vigilantism. The organization advises the governor and the West Java Police Chief to prioritize strengthening security measures. These include increasing patrols, implementing integrated CCTV systems, improving street lighting in crime-prone areas, and expediting responses to reports, alongside thoroughly investigating criminal networks.

Usman highlighted that mugging is a street crime often involving weapons and resulting in fatalities, including among police officers. He believes involving civilians, who lack specialized security training, poses significant risks. While acknowledging the public's right to self-defense, Usman stressed that law enforcement remains the responsibility of trained and authorized personnel.

Governor Dedi Mulyadi, however, explained that the bounty is intended as a motivator for the public to actively participate in maintaining community security, not to encourage vigilantism. He stipulated that rewards would only be given if captured perpetrators are handed over alive to the police and subsequently declared suspects. West Java Police Chief Irjen Pipit Rismanto reportedly welcomed the initiative as a form of motivation for public participation in maintaining security.