Chief of Central Java Police General Condro Kirono has ordered his officers to shoot thieves “on sight” as part of a resolution to curb the rising number of robbery cases in his jurisdiction.
Just as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is dealing with the drug problem in his archipelago with bloody and brutal tactics, Central Java Police Chief General Condro Kirono has likewise taken an iron fist approach to his region’s war on crime.
The chief of police said, “People should be given a sense of security in carrying out their activities in the evenings.” In alignment with its duty to provide a sense of security to the locals, the police force needs to ensure that criminal activities and movement are minimized, if not completely eliminated, he added.
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Reports on the rise of robbery cases in the region are widespread, with one incident of a thief being shot by officers a just few metres away from the Central Java Police Headquarters.
Two robbers also died after falling off a cliff in the Rowosari district of Tembalang, Semarang. They were trying to escape an angry mob who apparently witnessed their crime.
While Indonesia remains serious about its fight against drugs and crime, at least it has not adopted the hardline tactics like those of the Duterte administration, where an estimated 3,000 extrajudicial killings have been reported only a few months into his presidency. That said, Indonesia should remain vigilant about maintaining its rule of law and due process. Many believe the general should rescind his order.
Featured image via Gannett-CDN; image via Beritahati
