West Java Police Chief's Directives on Muggers Spark Vigilantism Concerns

Amnesty International Indonesia has voiced strong criticism regarding directives issued by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi and West Java Police Chief Inspector General Pipit Rismanto concerning the response to mugging incidents. Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, stated that these directives risk legitimizing vigilantism, where citizens take the law into their own hands.

The West Java Police Chief reportedly permitted the public to resist muggers, with the caveat that such actions should not lead to death or permanent disability. "The Governor and West Java Police Chief should not shirk their responsibility to maintain security and law and order by asking the public to get involved in apprehending muggers," Usman said in a written statement on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

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The Governor and West Java Police Chief should not shirk their responsibility to maintain security and law and order by asking the public to get involved in apprehending muggers.

Usman argued that law enforcement and regional leaders should instead focus on strengthening systems and infrastructure to prevent mugging. This includes increasing patrols, installing integrated CCTV systems, and investigating networks that fence stolen goods. He warned that vigilantism can lead to serious human rights violations, even though citizens have the right to self-defense against immediate threats.

Previously, Inspector General Pipit Rismanto had instructed police and the public to act decisively against muggers due to a rise in such activities in West Java. Police Commissioner Hendra Rochmawan clarified that "decisive and measured action" was the directive, applicable to both police and the public, emphasizing the need to avoid fatal or permanently disabling outcomes. Governor Dedi Mulyadi even offered rewards ranging from Rp 5 million to Rp 50 million for citizens who could incapacitate thieves and muggers, a move announced via a video on his personal social media account.

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The order from the Police Chief is to take decisive and measured action. This applies not only to the police but also to the public, with the condition that it remains decisive and measured. Do not let it result in fatal consequences.