West Java Police Permit Citizens to Fight Back as Street Crime Surges

Bandung, VIVA - Members of the public are said to be permitted to defend themselves in a measured way when facing street muggers, while police continue to intensify patrols to prevent street crime.

Head of the Public Relations Division of the West Java Regional Police, Police Grand Commissioner Hendra Rochmawan, said residents may resist as a form of self-protection as long as it is done proportionally and without excess.

“Our first step 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 restraint,” he said, quoted on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.

According to Hendra, throughout July 2026 the police had uncovered 24 cases of mugging and street crime, including 19 cases that had previously gone viral on social media.

He said information uploaded by the public on social media has helped police identify and trace various crimes occurring in a number of areas across West Java.

Beyond enforcement operations, the West Java Regional Police are also increasing routine patrols, particularly from late night into the early hours, deploying additional personnel on the ground to prevent muggings and other street crime.

Hendra stressed that police will take firm action against every street criminal who disrupts security and causes public alarm.

As previously reported, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi responded to the surge in muggings and street crime that has recently unsettled Bandung residents.

He said he had coordinated with the West Java Regional Police Chief to strengthen security in areas considered vulnerable to crime.

Dedi Mulyadi assessed that the security situation in Greater Bandung requires swift handling. He is therefore pushing for technical and tactical measures so that the public can once again feel safe going about their daily activities.

“Thank you to the various parties who have voiced concerns about the security situation in Greater Bandung, given the emergence of numerous muggings and other criminal acts,” Dedi said in his statement on Tuesday, 21 July 2026. (Ant)