The controversy over the Begal Competition in West Java, Yusril Ihza Mahendra warns of the risk of playing the judge himself

Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra. (Photo-Kemenko Kumham Imipas RI)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections (Menko Kumham Imipas), Yusril Ihza Mahendra, spoke up in response to the polemics over the begal arrest contest that was discussed by the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi.

Yusril asked the ranks of the National Police, especially the West Java Police, to tighten and increase security patrols in vulnerable areas.

"I ask the National Police, especially the West Java Police, to increase security patrols, especially in areas where there are many acts of robbery that cause fear among the community," Yusril said in an official statement in Jakarta, Sunday.

According to Yusril, this step of increasing patrols is very crucial to provide a sense of security while carrying out the main function of the National Police in maintaining order, protecting the community, and enforcing the law.

Education on Prevention and Prohibition of Playing Judge by Yourself

In addition to increasing the intensity of patrols, Yusril emphasized the importance of educating the public about the steps to prevent robbery and the correct reporting procedures for criminal offenses.

He reminded that the participation of citizens in maintaining environmental security must continue to run according to the legal corridor so as not to trigger vigilante action.

"Maintaining security is a shared responsibility, but law enforcement must still be carried out by the authorities," he said.

Yusril underlined that the state is obliged to protect the safety of life and property of every citizen. On the other hand, the alleged perpetrators of crimes still have legal rights guaranteed by the constitution.

"The perpetrator must be arrested alive, tried fairly, and sentenced to a commensurate punishment by the court. Don't let them die because they are beaten en masse. Such acts are also human rights violations that must be prevented," added Yusril.

Criticism of the Begal Catch Reward Scheme

Responding to Dedi Mulyadi's idea of giving money incentives to residents who successfully catch beggars, Yusril assessed that its implementation was not as simple as imagined.

Because, the legal status of a person can only be determined through a judicial process that takes a long time until it has legal force (inkracht).

"It could be that the residents who catch the beggars are disappointed because the promised reward has not been given. Because, they have to wait for the court's decision which has the force of law, even up to the Supreme Court," he explained.

Therefore, he reiterated that the entire law enforcement process should be completely handed over to the authorities.

The reason for the West Java Governor to hold a competition

Previously, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi announced a cash prize competition for residents who helped catch perpetrators of muggings and street crimes.

Dedi explained that the policy was designed as a psychological strategy to reduce crime rates while suppressing the potential for vigilante action, not an invitation to hunt down perpetrators wildly.

Through this incentive-based approach, the West Java Provincial Government hopes to trigger public awareness and reactivate the Pos Siskamling or night patrol tradition that had faded.