The Rise of Vigilantism

The phenomenon of vigilantism or taking justice into one's own hands is increasingly widespread in various regions of Indonesia. People often resort to violent actions against criminals without waiting for legal proceedings. For example, cases of burning motorcycle thieves that frequently occur in several cities or mob beatings of theft suspects in markets. In the digital era, this phenomenon is further exacerbated by the spread of videos of mass actions receiving widespread support from netizens. This raises a major question: is the public losing trust in law enforcement authorities? The main factors driving this phenomenon include the slow legal process, rampant corruption within law enforcement institutions, and injustice in sentencing. Cases where criminals with access to power can easily escape legal consequences further worsen public perception of the criminal justice system.

Jean Baudrillard, one of the postmodern thinkers, introduced the concept of simulacra, where reality is constructed by media and social discourse. In the context of vigilantism, society does not only experience distrust toward legal institutions but also creates their own "truth" about justice. Social media becomes a space for the reproduction of biased realities, where narratives about the inability of the police to handle criminal cases are reinforced by the virality of information. Michel Foucault also highlighted how power is not only monopolized by the state but is dispersed across various social structures. In this context, vigilantism can be understood as a form of societal resistance against state domination, which is perceived as failing to provide security. Communities create their own control mechanisms, which in turn generate new violence outside the formal legal system. Lyotard, in his concept of meta-narratives, pointed out the collapse of grand narratives that underpin state legitimacy. In the modern era, law is considered the main foundation for maintaining social order. However, in postmodern society, this narrative loses its authority due to various scandals, injustices, and disparities in law enforcement. As a result, people turn to smaller, more localized narratives, such as instant justice executed through mass actions.

The rise of vigilantism not only indicates a crisis of trust in law enforcement but also has the potential to create social instability. If people continue to rely on violence as a means of conflict resolution, the rule of law will be replaced by the law of the jungle. This opens up opportunities for certain groups to manipulate public sentiment for their own interests, creating a cycle of violence that is difficult to stop. Additionally, this phenomenon also leads to social polarization. When individuals or groups feel they have the legitimacy to enforce their own version of justice, the boundaries between justice and criminality become increasingly blurred. Instead of fostering a sense of security, vigilantism deepens fear and uncertainty in society.

What should happen instead is a comprehensive effort to rebuild trust in the legal system by ensuring that justice is served swiftly, fairly, and transparently. Law enforcement agencies must undergo reforms that emphasize accountability and efficiency, while also working to eliminate corruption and discrimination in judicial processes. Public engagement in legal discourse should be encouraged through accessible legal education and community dialogues that bridge the gap between the authorities and society. Strengthening community policing and implementing crime prevention initiatives can also foster a collaborative environment where people feel protected by the system rather than compelled to take justice into their own hands.

To address this issue, fundamental reforms in the judicial and law enforcement systems are necessary. Transparency in case resolutions, fair law enforcement without discrimination, and strengthening the role of civil society in overseeing the performance of law enforcement authorities are urgent steps to be taken. Additionally, community-based approaches such as restorative justice can be a solution to reduce disparities in legal processes and restore public trust in state institutions. The rise of vigilantism is not merely a legal issue but also a social phenomenon that reflects major changes in the relationship between society and the state. If left unchecked, we will not only lose trust in law enforcement but also in the principle of justice itself.