Supporting KDM's Bounty Contest Idea, Ono Surono Highlights the Importance of Strengthening the Security System

West Java Deputy Speaker Ono Surono has expressed appreciation for Governor Dedi Mulyadi’s move to involve the public in efforts to eradicate street robberies and motor vehicle theft through a bounty contest programme. According to him, public involvement is part of building a security system that engages all elements. However, Ono believes that tackling crime cannot rely solely on bounties. He said the government needs to build a more comprehensive system that addresses the factors causing the rise in crime rates. “On one hand, this policy invites the public to play an active role in maintaining security. This is in line with the spirit of the universal security system. Besides law enforcement officers, the community is also involved, and that is very good,” Ono said on Saturday (25/7/2026). The Chairman of the PDI Perjuangan West Java Regional Board also encouraged the public to revive the tradition of neighbourhood night patrols as a preventive measure in their respective areas. According to Ono, the increase in vehicle theft cases cannot be separated from the economic pressures facing the community. He noted that national data shows vehicle theft cases have increased by approximately 11.7 per cent. At the same time, the number of people using online loans has also risen by up to 28 per cent. “These conditions indicate that the public’s economic situation is not in good shape. The rise in layoffs, inflation, and the difficulty of finding employment have the potential to drive an increase in criminal acts, including vehicle theft,” he said. In addition to strengthening public participation, Ono urged the government to provide a fast, easy, and responsive reporting system. He believes the public must have easy access to report any criminal incident through various communication channels. He also asked law enforcement officers to optimise the placement of personnel in areas that have been crime hotspots so that prevention and enforcement can run more effectively. In the long term, Ono believes that strengthening the community’s economy must be part of the strategy to reduce crime rates. He said the government needs to continue promoting the growth of MSMEs, expanding job opportunities, maintaining the stability of staple food prices, and striving to prevent layoffs. Furthermore, social safety net programmes need to be strengthened down to the neighbourhood and village levels. Fostering the younger generation through positive activities that match their interests and talents is also considered important to keep them away from criminal acts. Ono stressed that the bounty contest is just one instrument in crime eradication. Therefore, the government needs to build a comprehensive security system so that efforts to reduce street robbery and vehicle theft can run more effectively. “Overall, a comprehensive system must be built. We hope the West Java Provincial Government can continue to push for the realisation of such a system,” Ono said.