Governor Edy Rahmayadi Concerning Pro-Contra Begal Shot Dead In Medan: Can't Just Shoot

North Sumatra Governor Edy Rahmayadi in the presidential palace of Jakarta on Wednesday (26/7/2023). (ANTARA/Desca Lidya Natalia)

North Sumatra Governor Edy Rahmayadi said shootings of robbers could not be carried out carelessly. "It's not about shooting, people usually say this, but we follow this rule, there is Perppu Number 23 or 28 of 1959 which regulates civil order, civil emergency and military emergency, so we are now in civil order, whoever can shoot is knocked by the court", said Edy Rahmayadi at the Jakarta presidential palace on Wednesday. Previously, Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution through his Twitter account on Monday, July 10 appreciated the actions of the Medan Polrestabes who had shot dead one of the robbers in Medan City. According to Bobby, robbery and criminals greatly disturb the peace and security of the people in the city of Medan. "Well, to carry out security, starting with the lowest security, who? Security guard, Satpol PP. If it's 'not' strong, the police are still 'not' strong, so it turns into an emergency (sidil). If it's an emergency, it's the president's decision or the permission of the DPR RI, that's him, this must be done," added Edy. Edy also said that he understood the emotions felt by Bobby Nasution as Mayor of Medan. "I believe someone is emotional because the people are too disturbed, victims and all kinds of things. Now journalists must understand that," said Edy. However, Edy emphasized that the robbery must be eradicated. "Yes, it must be abolished, it must not interfere with security, disturb lives, people earn a living, demand knowledge, it must not be disturbed. That is the presence of the state, especially in regencies and cities and provinces to resolve this," added Edy. Regarding the shootout of the perpetrators of the robbery, Edy said that shootings could only be carried out if there were changes to the rules. "It is necessary (to be shot) but there are steps, if we can't (currently), we will change the emergency, the civil emergency will take effect later on the length of the matter," he said. Edy also said that the current condition of Medan City had improved. "Incidentally the city was in Medan and at that time it was in a row but now it has been resolved," he said. Medan Police Chief Kombes Valentino Alfa also said that his subordinates had shot dead an alleged robber because he fought back when he was about to be arrested in the Sunggal area, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra. However, Bobby and the Chief of Police's statement received criticism from organizations and human rights activists.

Deputy Director of LBH Medan Muhammad Alinafiah Matondang said Bobby's statement asking and even appreciating the shooting of suspected robbers outside the legal route was like "spreading and calling for street thugs". For the criticism, Bobby Nasution replied, "I'm angry with you. I represent robbers, thank you," he said with a smile while attending the APEKSI National Working Meeting in Makassar City, South Sulawesi, last July 12.