Minister of Law and Human Rights: A mugger should not be shot on sight

Bandung — Minister of Law and Human Rights (HAM) Natalius Pigai does not agree with proposals to shoot mugging suspects on sight. Pigai regards killing suspects without due process as contrary to human rights principles.

This statement was made in response to Lampung Police Chief Irjen Pol Helfi Assegaf, who had suggested that mugging suspects be shot on sight.

‘I will not allow people to be shot without clear procedures and due legal process. A mugger should not be shot on the spot. The call to shoot on sight runs counter to fundamental human rights,’ Pigai said at the HAM Journalists’ Class in Bandung, West Java, on Wednesday (20 May 2026).

Pigai believes such proposals stem from a misunderstanding of human rights. Police are forbidden to deprive a citizen of the right to life without due process.

‘The state must not deprive a citizen of the right to life without the processes and procedures applicable in a country,’ Pigai said.

Pigai reminded that perpetrators of violence, including terrorists, should be arrested alive, so that they can be processed legally. This aligns with principles of international law.

‘Under international law, those who commit violence, including terrorists, must be arrested,’ Pigai said.

Pigai explained there are two reasons why criminals should be arrested first. First, to prevent the right to life from being taken lightly. Second, the offender can be a reference for authorities in uncovering networks and motives behind the crime.

‘He is a source of information. Data, facts, and information are with him. Thus law enforcement can gather data, facts, and information and resolve the triggers or the source,’ Pigai said.

Beyond that, Pigai stated that the government must guarantee public safety. This is a duty for the police to increase security so that no member of the public becomes a victim of mugging.

‘The authorities must ensure stability, so that the public can live freely,’ Pigai said.

Earlier, Lampung Police Chief Irjen Pol Helfi Assegaf allowed his subordinates to shoot mugging suspects on the spot. Helfi did not want to tolerate mugging perpetrators.