West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi Uses Personal Funds for Rewards to Curb Street Crime

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has announced he will use his personal money to fund a reward scheme aimed at encouraging public participation in fighting street crime. The initiative offers cash prizes ranging from IDR 5 million to IDR 50 million for residents who successfully apprehend perpetrators of theft, mugging, or robbery and hand them over to law enforcement. Dedi stated that the decision is based on an appreciation approach, which he believes can effectively build public awareness and direct community responses away from vigilante justice. “If there is a reward from me, residents can just hand over the perpetrator without taking the law into their own hands, and they will receive appreciation,” Dedi said after attending an event in Bandung on Friday.

The governor stressed that the reward cannot be claimed arbitrarily. The captured suspect must be handed over to authorities without signs of abuse, and the prize money will only be disbursed after the police officially name the individual a suspect. Dedi noted that minor injuries sustained during a reasonable arrest might be tolerated. The initiative has been accompanied by strengthened coordination between the West Java Provincial Government and the police, with increased security patrols in high-risk areas.

West Java Police Chief Inspector General Pipit Rismanto welcomed the governor’s initiative, stating it could motivate citizens to actively maintain security and order. However, he clarified that the reward scheme applies exclusively to civilians, as fighting crime is the fundamental duty of the police force and requires no financial incentive. Pipit also reminded the public not to engage in excessive force or vigilante actions when detaining suspects, though they retain the right to self-defence if threatened. The police have also launched an escort service for residents who must travel late at night and feel unsafe.