West Java Police Chief Responds to Governor's Bounty for Catching Street Criminals

West Java Police Chief Inspector General Pipit Rismanto has responded positively to a bounty programme announced by Governor Dedi Mulyadi, known as KDM, offering cash rewards to residents who catch street criminals such as muggers. Pipit stated that the governor’s initiative serves as motivation for the public to participate in maintaining security and public order. ‘We welcome it. This shows that the Governor wants to motivate all residents to help maintain public order,’ Pipit told reporters in Bandung on Friday. However, he stressed that the bounty does not apply to police officers, as law enforcement is their mandated duty under the law. Pipit urged the public not to take the law into their own hands if they encounter or apprehend a suspect, but to immediately report the matter to the police, who will respond swiftly. He also advised residents who feel unsafe, particularly when returning home late at night, to contact the police for an escort. Regarding the use of protective equipment by civilians, Pipit suggested coordinating with local authorities, including village heads and community police officers, based on the threat level in each area.

Governor Dedi Mulyadi separately explained that the cash rewards, ranging from IDR 5 million to IDR 50 million, are intended to encourage active community participation in maintaining security, not to promote vigilantism. He stipulated that rewards would only be given if the perpetrator is handed over to the police alive and subsequently named a suspect. Dedi confirmed that the initial funding for the rewards would come from his personal finances, not the regional budget. He argued that the bounty concept aligns with the Indonesian tradition of being motivated by appreciation and prizes.

Amnesty International Indonesia criticised the policy, urging the Governor and Police Chief not to shift their responsibility for public safety onto citizens. Executive Director Usman Hamid warned that the directive risks legitimising vigilante violence and called for increased police patrols, integrated CCTV systems, and improved street lighting instead. He argued that the logic of ensuring security through bounties has failed in other countries, leading to increased violence and decreased public trust.