West Java Police Allow Citizens to Use Measured Self-Defence Against Street Criminals

The West Java Regional Police (Polda Jawa Barat) has given the green light for members of the public to defend themselves when facing street criminals, commonly known as ‘begal’. However, the police stressed that such resistance must be carried out firmly and in a measured manner. Head of Public Relations for the West Java Police, Commissioner Hendra Rochmawan, explained that citizens have the right to protect themselves. He stated that self-defence is permitted as long as it is conducted proportionally and does not exceed reasonable limits. “Our primary effort, as instructed by the Chief of Police, is to take firm and measured action. This applies not only to the police but also to the public, with the condition that it is done firmly and in a measured way,” Hendra said in Bandung on Tuesday. Hendra revealed that throughout July 2026, the West Java Police force uncovered 24 cases of street crime and violent robbery. Notably, 19 of these cases had previously gone viral on social media. He noted that the active participation of the public in uploading information about crimes on social media greatly assists the police. Such data serves as a crucial instrument for officers to identify and track down perpetrators across various regions in West Java. In addition to allowing room for public self-defence, the West Java Police are strengthening preventive measures. The force is increasing the intensity of routine patrols, particularly during vulnerable hours between night and early morning. The deployment of additional personnel aims to restrict the movement of street criminals. Hendra asserted that the police would not hesitate to take firm action against anyone who disrupts security and causes public unrest on the streets.