Indonesian police are ramping up their efforts to curb various forms of crime, particularly focusing on arson and theft incidents across the country. This recent initiative has involved both the Polres Kapuas and Polres Purworejo, as they aim to make communities safer and more resilient against such offenses.
On February 22, 2025, the Kapolres Kapuas made significant strides by informing local citizens about the intensified measures to prevent forest fires, which have become rampant due to illegal burning practices. The police engaged directly with community members to explain the consequences of these actions, emphasizing the damaging effect of such fires on the environment and public safety.
“With the dissemination of the Kapolda Kalteng regulation, we hope the community understands the law governing forest fires and the resulting impacts, let’s work together to prevent them by not clearing land or gardens through burning,” said the Kapolres Kapuas during outreach sessions.
On the same day, major developments occurred at the Polres Purworejo where AKBP Edy Bagus Sumantri announced the breakthrough against a gang targeting local schools. This group had recently been involved in multiple thefts, drawing concerns from educators and parents alike.
The investigation revealed the gang had struck several elementary schools within the region, with the first reported incident occurring on January 10, 2025, at SDN Tanjunganom. One of the victims, Lisa Herawati, representing the management at this school, reported significant losses due to the illegal acts.
“The increasing number of thefts at elementary schools prompted our Resmob Satreskrim team to launch immediate investigations,” remarked Kapolres Purworejo. “This case has highlighted the need for vigilant community observation.”
Three individuals were apprehended for their roles in this series of thefts: ATY, aged 21, from Kretegan, who was captured first. The police later tracked down two other accomplices, M bin SM and P bin WK, who were already facing charges for other theft cases within the adjacent Kebumen jurisdiction.
During the police's search of the suspects, various stolen items were recovered, including speakers and projectors valued at thousands of dollars. All three thieves were charged under the Indonesian Penal Code for aggravated theft, facing penalties of up to seven years of imprisonment.
Kapolres Purworejo emphasized the importance of proactive policing, stating, “We will continue to provide oversight and deal firmly with criminals causing distress within our communities. We urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities so we can respond swiftly.”
Through these focused initiatives, both Kapuas and Purworejo police are working hard to not only safeguard their territories from crime but also to build relationships within their communities, ensuring shared responsibility for safety. The commitment of local law enforcement has provided hope for residents who seek peace and security amid increasing concerns about crime.