Gunung Mas, Kalimantan Tengah - Law enforcement agencies are stepping up their community education efforts as part of a broader initiative to combat illegal practices detrimental to public welfare. The Kahayan Hulu Utara Police (Polsek Kahut) recently conducted outreach to inform local residents about the dangers of illegal levies. These fees, known as pungutan liar, are unauthorized charges imposed on individuals, often linked to government permits or services.
The initiative took place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at around 1:00 PM. The chief of the Gunung Mas Police, AKBP Theodorus Priyo Santosa, conveyed through Kahut Police Chief Ipda Muklisin, S.H., the significant threat posed by these illegal fees to the community.
“Illegal levies can harm the community and erode trust in public services,” he stated. “We want our citizens to understand their right not to pay illegal fees, and we are committed to protecting those rights.”
The police personnel educated the community on various forms of illegal levies, emphasizing those related to licensing, public services, and security offenses. They provided information on how to report such practices to the authorities, reinforcing the principle of accountability.
This educational effort received positive feedback from local residents who expressed feeling more prepared and informed about the risks associated with illegal levies. The Kahut Police Chief hopes these efforts will significantly reduce such practices within his jurisdiction, fostering rights protection for the populace.
“Community awareness about the dangers of illegal levies and their willingness to report such practices will be key factors inside our quest to create a more just and moral society,” he added.
Meanwhile, in Karawang, another educational effort was underway to combat public health issues. Peruri, celebrating World Cancer Day, organized community awareness activities focused on the prevention of cancer. This event took place at the multipurpose building of the Parungmulya village office.
The initiative aimed to heighten public awareness about cancer's risks and the importance of early detection. Dr. Popy Herawati provided key information concerning the dangers of cervical and breast cancer, aiming to inspire proactive health-seeking behaviors among attendees.
“Understanding risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures is fundamental to our fight against cancer,” Dr. Popy emphasized during her presentation on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Tati Suryati, a healthcare worker from the local health center, presented local cancer case data, underscoring various associated risk factors, such as chemical exposure, unhealthy diets, and smoking habits.
“Increasing community awareness through routine screenings is necessary to decrease cancer incidence,” she commented, reiterative of the need for regular health check-ups as part of preventive healthcare practices.
Meanwhile, the head of Strategic Corporate Branding and CSR at Peruri, Dawam, expressed hope for the awareness campaign's ability to encourage early detection and promote healthy lifestyle choices among participants.
Both of these educational events reveal the importance of proactive community engagement by local authorities to combat societal issues, whether it involves illegal economic practices or pressing health concerns such as cancer. By fostering education and empowering citizens with knowledge, local police and health agencies aim to build stronger, more informed communities. Through these efforts, residents are expected to become more aware of their rights and responsibilities, contributing positively to their surroundings.
These initiatives reflect broader public education trends, showcasing the collaboration of various authorities to advance community welfare and safeguard public interest. Awareness activities like these are expected to inspire similar efforts across Indonesia as communities come to grips with both health risks and economic injustices.
By promoting awareness and education, local agencies hope to equip citizens not just with knowledge, but also with the tools necessary to address these issues effectively.