Tackling Robbers: Metro Jaya Police Say Public Safety Takes Priority
Minister of Law and Human Rights Natalius Pigai prohibited police officers from shooting robbers on the spot. The Metro Jaya Regional Police responded to Pigai’s remarks.
‘Therefore, the greater priority is the safety of the larger community we serve, and the safety of our officers who are carrying out law enforcement. Therefore, let us all respect the laws that govern us,’ said Director of General Criminal Investigation (Dirreskrimum) of the Metro Jaya Police, Senior Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, at a press conference at the Metro Jaya Police Headquarters in Jakarta on Friday (22 May 2026).
Iman explained the conditions when officers arrest robbers. According to him, suspects often carry firearms and bladed weapons, and these are not infrequently used to injure residents when cornered.
‘Because the suspects use firearms and bladed weapons. We know from several social media accounts that there are victims who have been shot by one or more suspects whom we have captured, and the victims are currently undergoing treatment,’ he said.
Furthermore, Iman explained the police have guidelines in Chief of Police Regulation Number 1 of 2009 on the use of force and firearms. Chief of Police Regulation Number 8 of 2009 also concerns the guidelines and standards for upholding human rights in carrying out police duties.
He also cited Law Number 2 of 2002 on the Indonesian National Police, asserting that all laws and Chief of Police regulations are included in the formal law enforcement process by the police.
‘The Criminal Procedure Code underpins our firm and proportionate actions against the suspects, with the justification that the firm and proportionate actions we take are guided by the safety of the surrounding public at the moment we undertake coercive measures,’ he said.
Earlier, Natalius Pigai barred police officers from shooting suspects on the spot. He said such action clearly violates human rights.
‘I do not permit people to be shot without clear procedures and due process. Robbers should not be shot on the spot,’ Pigai told DetikJabar.
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