JustUpdateOnline.com – BANDUNG, The West Java Regional Police have issued a directive allowing both law enforcement officers and the general public to take decisive action against street criminals, commonly known as begal, as part of a broader effort to curb rising crime rates in the province.
Police Chief Inspector General Pipit Rismanto emphasized that while resistance is permitted, it must remain within legal and ethical boundaries. Any physical response should be proportional and aimed at neutralizing the threat without resulting in fatalities or permanent disabilities. This policy aims to address the growing public anxiety regarding safety on the streets of West Java.
Commissioner Hendra Rochmawan, the Head of Public Relations for the West Java Police, clarified that this mandate applies to both officers and civilians facing immediate danger. He noted that the public is encouraged to defend themselves as a temporary measure while waiting for official law enforcement to arrive on the scene, provided the force used does not become excessive or fatal.
In response to the security situation, Governor Dedi Mulyadi stated that he is working closely with regional police leadership to fortify safety measures across the Bandung Metropolitan Area and throughout West Java. The Governor has suggested deploying armed personnel at high-risk locations to act as a deterrent against potential offenders and to provide a greater sense of security for residents.
In addition to official police presence, the Governor is calling on residents to revitalize neighborhood watch programs. Strengthening community-based security at the local level is seen as a vital step in monitoring strategic areas and preventing robberies or other criminal activities in both urban and rural settings.
To support these initiatives, police resorts throughout the region are ramping up "Enhanced Routine Activities" (KRYD). Specifically in Bandung, Deputy Police Chief AKBP Dedi Wahyudi confirmed that night patrols are being intensified in response to growing public feedback regarding street safety, ensuring a more visible police presence during high-risk hours.
