Home Affairs Deputy Minister Responds to Dedi Mulyadi's Bounty for Catching Muggers

Jakarta, VIVA – The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) has reminded all regional heads to continue prioritising the legal corridor in every policy for maintaining public security and order.

The assertion came amid the polemic surrounding the bounty for catching muggers initiated by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi.

Deputy Home Minister (Wamendagri) Bima Arya Sugiarto affirmed that regional heads’ creativity in creating a sense of security for the public is a positive thing. However, such innovation must not displace the role of law enforcement officials (APH) or trigger vigilante practices.

“Yes, I think our regional head colleagues must ensure that everything runs within the legal corridor, ensure that the system works, and carry out coordination between the regional government and the authorities. That is the most fundamental thing, to the maximum extent,” said Bima Arya at the Presidential Palace Complex, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, 28 July 2026.

According to Bima, various breakthroughs may be undertaken by regional governments as long as they do not diminish the importance of coordination with law enforcement officials. Synergy between the regional government, the police, the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), and the National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol) remains the main foundation in maintaining regional security.

“Yes, so perhaps there are other innovative creations, but at the very least they should not diminish the meaning of coordination with APH because that is what is most important. Yes, coordination between regional heads and APH in the regions and the local government ranks is very important,” he said.

The statement also responded to concerns from several parties that the bounty announced by Dedi Mulyadi could encourage the public to act outside the law or carry out vigilante actions against perpetrators of crime.

In response, Bima again emphasised that law enforcement must remain in the hands of the authorised officials.

“That’s why number one is still coordination with APH and the ranks within the regional government such as Pol PP, Kesbangpol, and so on,” he said.

He added that regional governments should prioritise strengthening security patrols rather than immediately introducing various new schemes that could give rise to differing interpretations among the public.

“So even if there are other innovations, that does not mean weakening law enforcement. And in my view, patrols are the key,” he revealed.