KDM: Tangkap Begal Berhadiah Rp10 Juta Cegah Main Hakim Sendiri

Coordinating Minister for Food and Agriculture Zulkifli Hasan and West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi give statements at Arcamanik Bandung, Friday (24/7/2026). (ANTARA/Ricky Prayoga)

BANDUNG - West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi emphasized that the incentive of Rp. 10 million for residents who help arrest perpetrators of robbery and street crimes is a psychological strategy to prevent vigilante actions, not an invitation to hunt down perpetrators.

Dedi ensured that the cash prize would only be given if the perpetrators of the crime were handed over directly to the police in good condition, and had been officially designated as suspects.

"The logic is simple. For example, there is a motor thief, don't be beaten to death. If there is a competition from me, don't be beaten to death, it's worth Rp. 10 million if you deliver it. That will psychologically affect," said Dedi at Arcamanik Bandung, Friday, July 24, reported by ANTARA.

The former Regent of Purwakarta underlined the strict rules regarding the physical condition of the perpetrator when handed over by residents. The West Java Provincial Government will cancel the gift if it is proven that there has been excessive abuse or violence.

"If in a state of being battered, yes it is not allowed. They must not be handed over in a state of being battered. A little wound may be allowed, but if it is battered, we will not give a gift," he said.

Dedi explained that this incentive-based approach utilizes the tradition of awards to stimulate public vigilance and reactivate the Siskamling Post or night patrol which had faded in the midst of the surge in street crime.

"So this is made to trigger people, for example, patrol. Already, just patrol. Later if there is a chicken thief, it's pretty good. Well, people like that have to motivate our residents. Our residents are not like residents in other developed countries. We have to continue to be motivated," he explained.

Answering skepticism regarding this pragmatic approach, Dedi claimed that the effectiveness of the policy was immediately felt in the field through increased citizen participation in maintaining environmental security in the Bandung Raya agglomeration area.

"My question is, where is the pragmatist now? People who work also want to have honor. If we wait for the discourse to continue, it will never be finished. Proof is just last night, now the patrol has started to be crowded," said Dedi adding.