DKI Jakarta legislator supports measured use of force against muggers
JAKARTA (ANTARA) — DKI Jakarta Regional House of Representatives member Hardiyanto Kenneth supports the police’s firm and measured actions against muggers, particularly when suspects resist in ways that endanger public or officer safety.
“Muggers must be met with measured use of force when public or officer safety is at risk,” Kenneth said in Jakarta on Friday.
He fully supports police efforts to eradicate muggings and other street crimes that are increasingly alarming the public.
According to him, street safety must be taken seriously as citizens have the right to feel secure while working, going about their daily activities, or returning home without fear of criminal violence.
“I fully support police actions to eradicate muggings and other street crimes that have long troubled the public,” Kenneth said.
However, he stressed that firm actions must comply with legal procedures and be carried out professionally, including the measured use of force to subdue suspects, not unlawful measures.
“In such situations, officers must act swiftly to prevent further casualties,” Kenneth added.
Thus, he urged against hastily labelling police actions as human rights violations without considering the actual circumstances on the ground.
Furthermore, he said statements by Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai and National Human Rights Commission commissioners regarding actions against muggers must be viewed proportionally, taking into account justice for street crime victims.
“We must put ourselves in the shoes of victims and their families who suffer trauma, property loss, and even death due to brutal muggings,” said Kenneth, who serves on Commission C of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives.
However, he stressed Indonesia is a rule-of-law nation that upholds human rights, so all police actions must remain within legal boundaries, be professional, measured, and accountable.
“The principle of respecting human rights must not be ignored, but human rights should not be narrowly interpreted to protect only criminals while disregarding the public’s right to live safely and free from criminal threats,” Kenneth said.
“Human rights belong not only to criminals but also to the public who are daily victims of muggings,” he added.
“The public’s right to safety, victims’ right to life, and citizens’ right to state protection are all part of human rights that must be safeguarded,” Kenneth concluded.