End the Cult of “Individuals” and Evaluate Wrongful Arrest Practices

Yayang Nanda Budiman, SH

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02 May 2025 · 13:32 02 May 2025 13:32 WIB 6 minutes reading time: 6 minutes 74 read

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Wrongful arrest actions carried out by a number of law enforcement officers signal the urgency of reform

End the Cult of “Individuals” and Evaluate Wrongful Arrest Practices

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Table of Contents

Stop Hiding Behind “Individuals”
Reminding the Rules
Awaiting Evaluation

Section 2/3: Stop Hiding Behind “Individuals”

Stop Hiding Behind “Individuals”

Some of us may realize that not a few of the mass media in reporting criminal acts that drag members of an institution always have the term “individuals” attached. The use of this term seems to be increasingly widespread because it is believed to be able to separate criminal acts from the institution that houses the perpetrators.

Often, the term “individuals” is used as a shield when violations occur that are considered contrary to the duties of an institution, such as maintaining public safety and order, enforcing the law, and protecting, nurturing, and serving the public.

This phenomenon of “individualization” is inseparable from the warm discussions among netizens, which then gave birth to new hashtags on social media, such as #satuharisatuoknum. This hashtag is used to describe the weak performance and the rampant crimes committed by law enforcement officials.

It is undeniable that the affixing of the terminology “individuals” to members who make mistakes seems to be another part of the institution's efforts to wash their hands and responsibility.

In any case, those who are labeled as “individuals” are included in the sub-system of the institution, so it is only fitting as an inseparable component and it is attached to the position, it is only appropriate to conduct an evaluation, not just clarification.