Indonesia
Archipelago
Opposition to the initiative to give cash rewards to people that catch criminals came from experts and a government official, who fear that the move may encourage vigilantism and create division among civilians.
A stock illustration of law enforcement (Shutterstock/9dream studio)
An initiative introduced by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi offering cash rewards for people apprehending street criminals has been met with a warning for potentially encouraging vigilantism as well as questions about the program’s political motivation.The initiative was announced in a video posted on the governor’s Instagram on July 23. He offered rewards of between Rp 5 million (US$278) and Rp 50 million to West Java residents who successfully subdue criminals, including robbers, thieves and bag snatchers, and hand them over to the police alive.
