LBH Says It Has No Objection to Begal Suspects Being Arrested, but Opposes Police Using Lethal Force

LBH Jakarta reiterates that it does not object to police arresting wrongdoers. However, LBH rejects action carried out by prioritising shooting that could take lives. ‘The suspect should be arrested and processed legally, not killed. If he is killed, then the police lose their primary function as law enforcers,’ said Fadhil Alfathan, Director of LBH Jakarta, in a phone interview on Tuesday (19 May 2026).

The remarks followed the formation of the Begal Hunting Team by the Metro Jaya Regional Police (Polda Metro Jaya).

Fadhil referred to Police Regulation No. 8 of 2009 which sets firearms usage on principles of proportionality, necessity, and legality. ‘In essence, the use of force, in this case firearms, must be placed as a last resort, as the final alternative,’ he said.

Fadhil also warned that the formation of the Begal Hunting Team could prompt repressive actions on the ground. He referred to alleged crackdown on street crime ahead of the 2018 Asian Games that he said resulted in fatalities. ‘We strongly suspect that the Metro Jaya Police conducted operations to suppress street crime ahead of the 2018 Asian Games, such as begals and others. We even found field data showing victims reaching 15 people dead.’

Director of General Criminal Investigation of Polda Metro Jaya, Iman Imanuddin, said decisive action would only be taken if the suspects truly threaten the public or officers. ‘If they (the criminals) appear to use firearms and will use firearms against officers and endanger the public, we will never hesitate to take decisive and measured action,’ he said at a press conference at Metro Jaya Police Headquarters, on Tuesday.

He gave the case of motorcycle theft in Cikarang Pusat, Bekasi Regency, on Monday (19/4/2026). During the operation, the two suspects did not carry firearms. However, when captured, they were found to be armed, so officers fired at the suspects’ legs.