West Java Police: Citizens May Defend Themselves Against Street Robbers

Bandung (ANTARA) - The West Java Regional Police (Polda Jabar) have stated that members of the public may carry out measured self-defence when confronting street robbers, whilst the police continue to strengthen patrols to prevent street crime.

Head of the Public Relations Division of the West Java Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Hendra Rochmawan, said in Bandung on Tuesday that the public may resist as a form of self-protection as long as it is done proportionally and not excessively.

“Our first effort is the Regional Police Chief’s order for firm, measured action. This applies not only to the police, but also to the public, on the condition that it is carried out firmly and with measure,” he said.

Hendra said that throughout July 2026, the West Java Regional Police had solved 24 cases of street robbery and other street crimes, including 19 cases that had previously gone viral on social media.

According to him, information uploaded by the public on social media has helped the police identify and trace various criminal acts occurring in a number of areas across West Java.

In addition to taking enforcement action, the West Java Regional Police have also increased routine patrols, particularly from night until the early hours, by adding personnel on the ground to prevent street robberbers and other street crimes.

Hendra stressed that the police will take firm action against every perpetrator of street crime that disrupts security and causes public alarm.