West Java Governor Mandates Resident Data Collection for Boarding Houses to Curb Crime

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has instructed all neighbourhood (RT) and community unit (RW) heads to strengthen the data collection of residents, particularly those living in boarding houses and rental properties. The move is a preventive measure to curb criminality and terrorism within residential areas.

The policy was triggered by a recent case of confinement and abuse against a woman with the initials YTR in Bandung. Dedi stated that the incident highlighted a failure in local environmental management and the fading tradition of reporting newcomers to local administrators. “Every boarding house and rental property must record its occupants. Their photos and identity cards must be submitted to the RT and RW data system,” Dedi said in Bandung on Monday (29/6).

The West Java Provincial Government plans to issue a circular mandating the digitalisation of resident administration through local community units. Beyond administrative measures, Dedi stressed the importance of parental supervision over minors, noting that unrestricted social interactions can make youths vulnerable to crime.

Regarding the Bandung case, the provincial government has committed to covering all medical expenses for the victim, YTR, until she fully recovers. Dedi also redirected a previously announced reward of IDR 250 million, initially offered for the capture of the suspect, to the victim’s family. The suspect, Taufik Hidayat, a repeat offender, has been arrested and faces multiple charges that could result in a lengthy prison sentence.