West Java DPRD Member Criticises Governor Dedi Mulyadi Over 'Begal' Bounty and Social Media Governance

West Java DPRD member Rafael Situmorang has criticised Governor Dedi Mulyadi regarding his bounty for the capture of begal, or street criminals. He argued that such actions are beyond the substantive duties of a regional head, who is entrusted with the authority to manage the state budget. Rafael explained that the primary task of a regional head is to use state funds to create jobs and improve the quality of education for the community. “Not to create a bounty for begal,” Rafael said during a book review event in Bandung on Thursday (30/7). He also criticised the Governor’s performance, suggesting it only appears impressive in social media content, while various issues remain evident in the province with the largest population. “This is also a criticism, if you want to be a regional head, you don’t need to be smart, just good at making content,” he said. Rafael noted two main factors why the Governor receives much public praise. Firstly, the level of literacy and education in West Java is not yet very high, with an average length of schooling of only 9.2 years, equivalent to just over the third year of junior high school. Secondly, the current social media era can bridge reality and perception, where repeated falsehoods can be accepted as truth.