West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi Uses Personal Funds for Crime-Fighting Bounty

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has confirmed that a planned bounty for residents who capture street criminals will be funded entirely from his personal finances, not the regional budget. The initiative is designed to stimulate public participation in reducing crime while preventing mob justice.

Mulyadi, popularly known as KDM, explained that the reward system is tailored to a community culture that responds well to appreciation. He stated that the programme aims to encourage residents to hand over perpetrators to law enforcement rather than taking the law into their own hands. ‘If a perpetrator is caught and handed over without being beaten up, the resident can claim the reward. This psychologically influences public behaviour,’ he said.

The governor has set rewards ranging from Rp5 million to Rp50 million for the capture of thieves, pickpockets, and muggers. However, he imposed strict conditions: the suspect must be handed over to the police without serious injury, and the reward will only be disbursed after the individual is officially named a suspect by the authorities.

Since the proposal was announced, Mulyadi noted that security coordination across West Java has intensified, with the provincial government working closely with the police to increase patrols in high-risk areas.

West Java Police Chief Inspector General Pipit Rismanto welcomed the governor’s initiative, describing it as a positive motivational tool to maintain public order. He clarified that the bounty applies exclusively to civilians, as law enforcement is a fundamental duty of the police. Pipit also urged the public to refrain from vigilante actions, though he affirmed the right to self-defence if threatened. To further enhance safety, the police have opened an escort service for residents who must travel late at night and feel unsafe.