JAM-Intel Affirms Village Guard Programme Not Designed to Criminalise Village Administrators
The Deputy Attorney General for Intelligence (JAM-Intel) of the Attorney General’s Office, Reda Manthovani, has affirmed that the Village Guard programme (Jaksa Garda Desa) is not designed as an instrument to criminalise village administrators. According to him, the programme aims to provide a sense of security to budget administrators at the village level.
“The Village Guard programme (Jaksa Garda Desa) is in no way designed as an instrument to seek out errors or criminalise village administrators. Rather, this programme represents the state’s presence to provide a sense of security to budget administrators at the village level so they can work in accordance with applicable legal frameworks,” stated Reda in his remarks on Friday, 13 March 2026.
Reda made these comments while attending a consolidation meeting of the National Association of Village Consultative Bodies (Abpednas) in Tangerang Regency at Lemo Hotel, Banten. The event was also attended by Tangerang Regent Moch Maesyal Rasyid, Head of the High Prosecutor’s Office (Kajati) of Banten Bernadeta Maria Erna Elastiyani, and the leadership of Abpednas throughout Tangerang Regency to discuss strengthening village governance arrangements.
Furthermore, JAM-Intel explained that the role of prosecutors in the Village Guard programme is to perform a preventive function. Through attached legal assistance, the programme is expected to reduce the number of village officials caught in criminal offences, whether as a result of administrative negligence or unfamiliarity with dynamic regulations.
“The Village Guard programme actually plays a vital role in ensuring that village officials do not fall into legal problems, so that development in villages can proceed without hindrance,” said Reda.
Meanwhile, the Tangerang Regent expressed appreciation to JAM-Intel for implementing the Village Guard programme in Tangerang Regency. The Regent assessed that the presence of prosecutors as legal consultant partners is very helpful to the regional government in realising clean and accountable village governance.
This support is believed to increase the courage and confidence of village heads in executing strategic programmes for the welfare of Tangerang’s communities.
In line with central government commitment, the High Prosecutor’s Office of Banten fully supports and stands ready for its ranks to work synergistically with the regional government and Abpednas. The Banten High Prosecutor’s Office commits to opening the widest possible space for communication with village officials who require legal guidance.
This synergy is expected to serve as a strong foundation in creating a healthy village development climate, where legal compliance and village economic progress can advance in tandem for a better future for Banten.