Residents May Catch Muggers But Must Not Kill Them, Bandung Mayor: Do Not Take the Law into Your Own Hands

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan has warned the public not to take the law into their own hands after they were permitted to catch muggers. He expressed concern over the risk of mistaken targets, noting that only the police have the authority to deal with muggers. “I understand the public’s frustration with criminals, and indeed the government and police have given the green light for the public to take action,” he said on the sidelines of a BRT groundbreaking in the Leuwipanjang Terminal area on Wednesday (22/7/2026). However, Farhan mentioned two things the public must pay attention to: action against muggers is part of self-defence, and people should not take the law into their own hands due to the risk of mistaken identity. “One, action against these perpetrators is part of our self-defence. Two, do not take the law into your own hands because there is a risk of targeting the wrong person. So, we really have to be careful,” he said. He emphasised that only law enforcement officers have the authority to take action according to the law. Therefore, the public must understand this so they do not engage in vigilante justice.