16-8-2023 (JAKARTA) A series of violent muggings perpetrated by machete-wielding thieves in Indonesia has sparked a debate after prominent politicians made coded calls for the perpetrators to be killed on sight by the police. These comments have been strongly condemned by human rights groups, who argue that they condone extrajudicial killings.
Last month, in the city of Medan in northern Sumatra, the police shot and killed a “begal” – a term used in Indonesia to describe a type of street thief known for their brutal tactics. The police claimed that this action was part of their efforts to “eradicate” such criminals.
One of the politicians supporting the police’s actions was Bobby Nasution, the mayor of Medan and President Joko Widodo’s son-in-law. Nasution praised the officers involved and stated that criminals like the “begals” should be shot dead on the spot. He shared footage of the suspect’s dead body on his Instagram account on July 9.
While President Widodo has not commented on Nasution’s statements, other leaders, including the governor of North Sumatra province, have expressed their support for the mayor’s remarks. rights groups have called for an investigation into the killing and have criticized the rhetoric used by politicians, arguing that it grants both officers and citizens the right to take the law into their own hands.
Amnesty International Indonesia director Usman Hamid stated, “It is inappropriate for public officials to declare support for such extrajudicial actions. The shooting not only violates human rights principles – such as the right to life and the right to a fair trial – but also the regulations.”
According to Indonesian police rules, firearms should only be used as a last resort by officers.
The Institute for Criminal Justice Reform in Indonesia labeled Nasution’s words as “irresponsible.”
However, some members of the public share the mayor’s sentiment. Under viral videos showing the “begal” attacks, social media users have called for the thieves to be shot dead or face the death penalty. In a village east of Jakarta, local leaders have even offered a bounty of 10 million rupiah (US$662) for the capture of “begals.”
“Begals” have been responsible for brutal attacks using sickles, airguns, and rocks. They have terrorized people in Jakarta, Medan, and other urban areas in Indonesia. These thieves typically target their victims while riding scooters in specific areas with limited security camera coverage, allowing for a swift escape after the robbery.
“They have to do it quickly and cruelly to make the victim surrender,” explained Adrianus Meliala, a criminologist at the University of Indonesia. “Begals run away using the city labyrinth they have mastered.”
Medan, the fifth-largest city in Indonesia, has witnessed 45 begal attacks since January, according to the police. One particularly brutal case two months ago caused public outrage when a student named Insanul Anshori Hasibuan was riding his scooter home and was attacked by a man wielding a machete. Hasibuan, 22, tragically died in the hospital after the attacker and several accomplices escaped with a meager 70,000 rupiah from his wallet.
Four suspects involved in the attack have since been apprehended and may face up to 15 years in jail if convicted.
These savage attacks have garnered significant media attention in Indonesia, fueling public fear and enabling politicians like Nasution to position themselves as champions of law and order.
Official data indicates that the rate of robberies has increased in 2023, but experts note that Indonesian criminal data often lacks completeness due to underreporting.
As of now, the national police force of Indonesia has not responded to AFP’s request for comment on the matter.
The issue at hand is complex and stems from various factors, including rising poverty in one of the world’s most unequal countries, the challenges in countering swift and violent attacks, weak rule of law, and eroding public trust in the police.
“The begal phenomenon cannot be separated from the socioeconomic order of society,” explained Ida Ruwaida from the University of Indonesia.
Human rights groups express concern that statements by influential politicians like Nasution, advocating for suspects to be killed on sight, could lead to chaos on the streets of the country.
“We are concerned that the statement by the mayor of Medan can serve as legitimacy for more extrajudicial killings,” warned Hamid.
