West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi Responds to Ministerial Criticism Over Bounty for Catching Muggers
The policy of West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, who launched a prize competition for residents who successfully catch muggers, has drawn criticism from two ministers in the Red and White Cabinet, namely Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai and Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra.
Responding to the criticism, Dedi Mulyadi stressed that in addition to the rights of perpetrators, the rights of crime victims must also be a serious concern for the government. According to him, victims of criminal acts often experience various forms of rights violations, ranging from the loss of a sense of security and state protection, to loss of property and even loss of life.
"People who become victims of crime also experience human rights violations. They lose security, state protection, property, and many even lose their lives," said Dedi.
Dedi highlighted the issue of financing medical treatment for crime victims, which is often neglected. He revealed that many victims experience financial difficulties when they have to undergo medical care in hospital due to their injuries.
As a concrete solution, the West Java Provincial Government has adopted a policy to guarantee all medical expenses for crime victims without exception.
"In West Java Province, all crime victims have their hospital costs guaranteed by the provincial government, regardless of the amount," he asserted. This policy, Dedi continued, was born from his experience assisting many victims who struggled with medical costs.
Despite focusing on victims, Dedi stated that perpetrators of crime who are injured—whether during the arrest process or as a result of mob violence—still have the right to receive medical treatment. He acknowledged that in some cases, law enforcement officers face budget constraints in financing the treatment of perpetrators in hospital.
Dedi even admitted to having personally helped finance the treatment of a criminal perpetrator because of the large costs involved. He stressed that protecting both victims and perpetrators does not conflict with the principles of law enforcement.
"The West Java Provincial Government will be present to resolve and protect both," he added.
Regarding the input from Natalius Pigai and Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Dedi stated that he greatly appreciated the criticism. He assured that the West Java Provincial Government remains committed to protecting human rights in every step of law enforcement to prevent vigilante actions.
"I express my thanks for the criticism from the Minister of Human Rights, who reminded me not to violate the human rights of criminal perpetrators through vigilante justice," said Dedi.
He considered the input an important reminder so that all security policies in West Java continue to operate within the corridors of the law and respect for human rights.