Rising Vigilante Actions: Sahroni Urges Police to Be Responsive
Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Ahmad Sahroni, has urged the police to accelerate their response to public reports in order to prevent the spread of vigilante actions. This comes in response to the increasing phenomenon of vandalism and physical attacks by residents against parties suspected of committing legal violations in various regions.
Sahroni assesses that anarchic actions in society are often triggered by frustration due to the slow handling of cases by certain field officers.
“I ask the apparatus to be quick to respond in following up on residents’ reports because public reports actually greatly assist the performance of the apparatus,” said Sahroni in his statement on Monday (23/3/2026).
This politician from the NasDem Party Faction also issued a stern warning regarding the possibility of neglect or illegal agreements between rogue officers and criminal perpetrators. According to him, this is what sparks public anger leading to actions such as throwing firecrackers and destruction.
This vigilante phenomenon previously drew sharp scrutiny following the emergence of residents throwing firecrackers at an illegal Tramadol medicine shop in the Tanah Abang area, Central Jakarta. In response, the Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Commissioner Pol Reynold E.P. Hutagalung, asked the public to remain calm and leave the legal process to the authorities.
“No need for vigilante actions, entrust it to us, we will definitely take firm action,” said Reynold at the Central Jakarta Metro Police Headquarters.
Reynold assured that his side does not discriminate in eradicating the circulation of illegal drugs. He confirmed that the police have taken firm action against the perpetrators selling Tramadol in the Tanah Abang area that had caused public unrest.
“Whoever the person is, we will definitely act. Yesterday, we immediately acted on the one in Tanah Abang. It has been directly processed,” Reynold concluded.