West Java Police Urge Public to Help Catch Muggers, Warn Against Vigilantism

The West Java Regional Police have stated they will take firm and measured action against muggers operating in the city of Bandung and the wider West Java region. They are also inviting the public to work together to catch muggers if they witness them in the act. “Our first effort is the Chief of Police’s order to take firm, measured action, and this applies not only to the police but also to the public,” said West Java Police Head of Public Relations, Senior Commissioner Hendra Rochmawan, on Tuesday (21/7/2026). He stressed that the public can participate in taking firm and measured action against muggers, with the condition that they do not take the law into their own hands. Hendra expressed his gratitude to members of the public who have been involved in efforts to handle muggers. “The public is allowed to, with the condition I mentioned, to be firm and measured, not to the point of killing, so to speak,” he said. The police will increase personnel numbers from midnight until the early hours, especially during holiday periods. Hendra said the West Java Police Chief has instructed all district police chiefs to anticipate mugging activities in the field.