West Java Governor Responds to Minister's Criticism: Human Rights Must Also Protect Crime Victims

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has stated that human rights (HAM) protections should not only apply to perpetrators but also to victims of crime. The governor, known as KDM, was responding to criticism from Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai regarding the handling of criminal offenders. KDM acknowledged the criticism, but stressed that the protection of human rights must also be given to members of the public who fall victim to criminal acts. He said victims could lose their sense of security, property, and even their lives. “I would like to thank the Human Rights Minister for the criticism. He reminded me not to violate the human rights of perpetrators through vigilante actions. I accept that,” he said. Dedi also recalled that the minister had previously supported him when his programme of sending students to military barracks faced accusations of human rights violations. He argued that the state must pay serious attention to protecting the human rights of crime victims.