Order to Shoot Street Robbers on Sight Goes Viral, Netizens: Agreed!
A firm statement regarding actions against street robbers has once again become a heated topic of discussion on social media. Following the widespread circulation of a video and excerpts of statements from authorities, hashtags related to ‘shooting robbers on sight’ have gone viral, triggering diverse reactions from the Indonesian public.
The statement was issued by the Lampung Regional Police as a harsh ultimatum against perpetrators of robbery and street crime. The police emphasised that there will be no tolerance for criminal activities that endanger the public, even ordering ranks to take decisive action by shooting on sight against robbers who resist during arrest.
This policy emerged after the death of Bripka Arya, a police officer who died while performing his duties. The incident drew significant public attention and prompted authorities to take tougher measures against street criminals who are deemed increasingly reckless.
The Lampung Regional Police Chief emphasised that all police ranks are requested to act firmly against robbers who resist and threaten the safety of both officers and the community. According to him, there is no room for tolerance for armed criminal acts that disturb the peace of residents.
“There is no tolerance for perpetrators of robbery. I have ordered to shoot on sight. Robbers, shoot on sight,” stated the Lampung Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Pol Helford Assegaf, at the Lampung Regional Police Headquarters, as reported by Antara on Monday, 18 May 2026.
The statement immediately became a public focal point, demonstrating the authorities’ hardline stance in suppressing street crime rates in Lampung. Additionally, the police are said to be increasing patrols and special operations in robbery-prone areas to restrict the movement of perpetrators.
On social media, many netizens supported this firm measure. Comment sections across various platforms were filled with responses stating that the public is exhausted by the prevalence of robbery incidents that frequently claim victims, resulting in both injuries and deaths.
Phrases such as “agreed”, “it has gone too far”, and “for the sake of public security” appeared frequently after the Lampung Police Chief’s statement went viral on the internet. Many citizens believe that decisive action is necessary to ensure criminals are deterred.
“I agree and concur with this; hopefully, this order is not just for Lampung, but for other regions in Indonesia,” wrote a netizen in a post discussing the case.