Presidential Chief of Staff Condemns Vigilante Killing in Tabanan

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Presidential Chief of Staff General (Ret.) TNI Dudung Abdurachman has condemned the vigilante action in the case of a suspected chicken thief who died in Tabanan Regency, Bali, and urged that such an incident not be repeated. In a statement from the Presidential Staff Office received in Jakarta on Monday, Dudung described the death of a resident suspected of stealing a chicken after being attacked by a mob as a humanitarian tragedy that must be a shared concern. “As Presidential Chief of Staff, I express my concern and deepest condolences, while also condemning the act of violence that resulted in the loss of life. An alleged criminal act committed by a person does not erase their right to a fair legal process,” he said. According to Dudung, no action can justify taking a life outside the legal process, as every alleged criminal act must be processed according to the applicable legal mechanisms. He encouraged the police to strengthen public education on the dangers and legal consequences of vigilante actions, while continuing to prioritise preventive measures. Furthermore, Dudung called on religious leaders, traditional leaders, community figures, and community leaders to play an active role in building a culture of peace and non-violent conflict resolution. He also asked law enforcement officials to investigate the case professionally, transparently, and fairly to provide legal certainty for all parties involved. “Our country is a state of law. All citizens are equal before the law. Therefore, let us return to that principle,” he said. Previously, a man with the initials KD died after allegedly being mobbed by a crowd who accused him of stealing a chicken in Tabanan Regency on Friday (24/7). The Tabanan Police are still investigating the alleged theft and the mob attack, including by processing the crime scene.