Monitoring Vigilante Justice in Tabanan, Ministry of Human Rights Urges Conflict Resolution Based on Human Rights Principles
A man, identified by the initials KD, became the victim of a mob attack following an alleged act of vigilante justice by residents in Tabanan, Bali. The incident occurred in the Banjar Dinas Juwuk Legi area, Batunya Village, Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency, in the early hours of Friday (24/07/2026). The victim was beaten by residents over allegations of stealing fighting cocks valued at millions of rupiah.
To follow up on the handling of this case, the Indonesian Ministry of Human Rights (KemenHAM) has deployed a team to conduct direct inspections in the Tabanan and Buleleng regencies of Bali. This step was taken as a form of the government’s commitment to encouraging problem-solving that prioritises human rights principles.
The inspection agenda, led by the Special Staff to the Minister of Human Rights for Digital Transformation and Media Communication, Thomas Harming Suwarta, focused on two locations: Batunya Village in Baturiti, Tabanan, and Sidatapa Village in Buleleng. During the visit, the delegation held dialogues with village officials, community leaders, residents, and the victim’s family to emphasise the importance of protecting the right to life, peaceful dispute resolution, fair law enforcement, and the prevention of vigilante actions.
As part of the visit, the Ministry’s team discussed the matter with the Baturiti District Head and the Secretary of Batunya Village during their visit to Tabanan, before continuing with a meeting with the victim’s family and local village officials in Buleleng.
“We also invite all elements of society to prioritise dialogue, maintain brotherhood, and strengthen human values in resolving every issue,” said Thomas. He emphasised that the Ministry of Human Rights remains consistent in promoting conflict prevention through human rights education and strengthening synergy with local governments and the community to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.
Furthermore, village government officials in both areas were urged to collaborate in fostering public awareness regarding the importance of respecting human rights. “The Ministry of Human Rights invites all members of the community to use this event as a collective lesson that every difference or dispute must be resolved through legal mechanisms and dialogue, rather than through violence,” he stated. Thomas reaffirmed that respect for human dignity is the most fundamental foundation for maintaining unity and social harmony.