North Sumatra Police Talks of Shoot-on-sight Order Against Street Criminals

TEMPO.CO, Medan - North Sumatra Police asserted that the shoot-on-sight order against street criminals as enforced by the Medan City Police Criminal Investigation Unit is regulated by law. The controversy over the policy emerges as it is considered to foster the practice of extrajudicial killings.

Head of Public Relations of the North Sumatra Regional Police, Sr. Comr. Hadi Wahyudi, recalled that the shooting incident of one of the robbers in Medan last Monday was according to procedure.

“The suspect, Bima Bastian alias Jarot, resisted arrest and shot members using an airsoft gun and injured our members. Because he threatened the safety and lives of officers, of course, he was shot dead,” Hadi told Tempo on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

Previously, North Sumatra Police Deputy Chief Brigadier General Jawari instructed policemen to take firm and measured action against street criminals, including thieves, robbers, and motorcycle gangs.

“Do not hesitate to take firm action if the perpetrators threaten the lives of police officers. I emphasize perpetrators of begal (street robbers) and motorcycle gangs shall be given firm and measured action. This is done solely to maintain security and public order,” Jawari said.

Shoot-on-sight order meets with criticism

Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution appreciated the police for shooting the street criminal on sight because such street crimes have greatly disturbed the community.

“Begal and crime perpetrators have no place in the city of Medan because they really disturb the peace and security of the community,” Bobby who is President Jokowi's son-in-law wrote on his social media Twitter.

The Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (ICJR) criticized the police's actions. ICJR researcher, Girlie Aneira Ginting, argued that every criminal deserves legal process as stipulated in the law. “The mayor has the responsibility to prosper the community and protect the rights of its citizens, even if they are criminals,” Girlie said.

SAHAT SIMATUPANG

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