Wamendagri Warns Regional Heads Against Innovations That Undermine Law Enforcement
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) Bima Arya has reminded all regional heads to continue prioritising coordination with law enforcement agencies (APH) in maintaining public security and order. According to him, various innovations, including the bounty for capturing muggers announced by regional governments, must not diminish the role of law enforcement or trigger actions outside legal channels.
Bima Arya issued the statement when asked for his response regarding the bounty for capturing muggers that had been announced by the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi.
Bima emphasised that the most important matter for regional heads is to ensure all security measures are carried out in accordance with the rules. In addition, regional governments must ensure optimal coordination with law enforcement agencies.
“I believe regional heads must ensure that everything runs within legal channels, ensure that the system works, and maintain coordination between the regional government and the authorities. That is the most fundamental thing,” said Bima Arya to reporters at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday (28/7).
According to him, regional heads may indeed introduce various breakthroughs in running their governments. However, such innovations must not displace the importance of synergy with law enforcement agencies in the regions.
“So perhaps there are other innovative creations, but at the very least they should not diminish the importance of coordination with the APH, because that is what matters most. Coordination between regional heads, the APH in the regions, and regional government officials is extremely important,” he said.
When asked about concerns that the bounty for capturing muggers could incite the public to act as judges themselves, Bima again stressed the importance of coordination between regional governments and all law enforcement elements, including the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), the National Unity and Political Agency (Kesbang), and relevant regional apparatus.
In his view, the main focus of regional governments should not be to introduce various innovations immediately, but rather to ensure the presence of authorities among communities through routine patrols.
“Even if there are other innovations, that does not mean weakening law enforcement. And in my view, patrols are key. Patrols give the impression that the government and the authorities are present in the field. So in my opinion, do not jump straight to other innovations,” said Bima Arya.
According to Bima, the presence of authorities on the ground sends an important message that the state is present in providing a sense of security to the public. Therefore, regional governments, in addressing security issues, must remain within legal channels and strengthen synergy with law enforcement agencies.