Criminologist Josias Simon: Bounty for Catching Muggers Risks Vigilantism
University of Indonesia (UI) Professor of Criminology Josias Simon has cautioned that the policy of offering bounties or rewards for citizens who catch muggers and street criminals must be handled carefully. According to Josias, whilst the policy can be seen as a swift response by local governments to suppress crime rates, it also carries the potential to trigger vigilante justice if not accompanied by strengthened law enforcement.
“On one hand, this bounty can be viewed as a rapid response by local governments to reduce crime rates. However, on the other hand, this policy reflects the suboptimal eradication of street crime by law enforcement and security apparatus, especially in high-risk areas,” Josias said when contacted by Media Indonesia on Sunday (26/7).
He explained that a high level of fear of crime within society could trigger mob justice if the authorities are perceived as slow to respond to a criminal act. “The high fear of crime in society has the potential to trigger mass vigilantism against perpetrators if the response of law enforcement is considered slow. This condition can be exacerbated if the local government does not immediately reduce the factors that trigger criminality, such as a lack of supporting security facilities and infrastructure,” he stated.
According to Josias, offering rewards could create new problems if law enforcement is not effective. He expressed concern that citizens might be more motivated to pursue the promised reward than to ensure that perpetrators are processed according to legal mechanisms. “If law enforcement is also weak, the bounty policy risks encouraging people to take the law into their own hands because they are more driven by the promised reward than by supporting the proper legal process,” he said.
Therefore, Josias stressed that community involvement in maintaining security must be measured and remain within the legal corridor. He noted that citizens can play an active role in assisting the authorities but should not take over law enforcement functions. “Community involvement in crime eradication efforts must be accommodated appropriately, measurably, and remain within the legal corridor,” he emphasised.
Furthermore, Josias assessed that local governments should prioritise two main strategies to reduce crime rates: strengthening prevention and intensifying enforcement through close coordination. “The strategies that local governments need to prioritise are, first, strengthening prevention through community-based and situational approaches, as well as collaboration with residents. Second, strengthening enforcement strategies through intensive, active, and sustainable coordination with law enforcement and security apparatus, not just coordination that is a mere formality,” he explained.
It was previously reported that West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi launched a bounty programme offering rewards ranging from Rp5 million to Rp50 million for residents who successfully capture muggers, snatchers, thieves, or robbers alive and hand them over to the police. The policy was intended to increase public participation in maintaining security. However, the policy has sparked public debate. Some circles believe the bounty can encourage citizen participation in helping authorities eradicate crime, whilst others worry it could potentially trigger vigilante actions, endanger residents’ safety, and cause legal problems if wrongful arrests or excessive force occur.