Human Rights Minister Hopes West Java Governor's Bounty for Catching Muggers Is Just a Joke

Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai has expressed hope that a bounty for catching muggers announced by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi is only a joke, as it could potentially endanger civilians. Speaking at the Papandayan Hotel in Bandung on Tuesday, Pigai said the apprehension of street criminals by members of the public lacking tactical training risks triggering physical violence and bloodshed. “If it is serious, then it is not allowed. But if it is a joke, that is fine. Just a joke. But if it is serious, it is not allowed, that is dangerous,” Pigai said. He assessed that handing over law enforcement functions to civilians without adequate preparation could potentially violate ethics and endanger public safety. “If an untrained civilian hits someone, right? There will be bloodshed. Are we allowed to pay people to hit other people in the field? It is not ethical. But my assumption is that he was joking, not serious. Hopefully it is a joke and not serious,” he added. Governor Dedi Mulyadi had previously announced through his personal Instagram account a bounty for residents of West Java. “I am offering a bounty to all West Java residents. Those who can incapacitate thieves, pickpockets, snatchers, muggers, and robbers, we have prepared rewards ranging from Rp5 million to Rp50 million for those able to incapacitate various criminal acts and hand them over to the police alive,” Dedi said. In addition, Dedi stated that the West Java Provincial Government continues to coordinate with the West Java Regional Police and the Metro Jaya Regional Police to increase night patrols in several vulnerable areas. He also requested that patrol cars remain on standby every night with warning lights on and that Satpol PP and the Fire Department be stationed at strategic locations to anticipate various potential security disturbances.