Bripka Hamzah: 15 Years of Service to Residents of Indonesia's Easternmost Island

Bripka Hamzah Ladema has consistently served residents at the eastern tip of Central Sulawesi’s outermost island for 15 years. He has not merely functioned as a law enforcement officer, but has actively assisted and supported the community.

For his dedication, Bripka Hamzah has been nominated for the Hoegeng Awards 2026 programme. The community policing officer (Bhabinkamtibmas) of Sonit Village, Bokan Kepulauan, Banggai Laut Regency, was previously also a candidate in the Hoegeng Corner 2025 programme.

Bripka Hamzah’s service has been attested to by Sonit Village Secretary, Nursalim Yahya, who describes the officer as an exceptionally good and approachable policeman.

“Over the decades, many police officers have been assigned here, but Bripka Hamzah is truly the best we have known. He is genuinely close to the community and willingly helps anyone in need,” Nursalim said when contacted on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

Nursalim cited instances where Bripka Hamzah provided rice assistance to residents unable to afford food. The village secretary stated that Bripka Hamzah is regarded as family by Sonit residents.

Such is his bond with the community that whenever the possibility of replacing the community policing officer has been raised, residents have consistently opposed it, preferring to retain Bripka Hamzah, who has served them for over a decade.

“He does not discriminate between people, whether they appear to be troublemakers or respectable citizens. He unhesitatingly extends help to anyone,” Nursalim explained.

Nursalim also confirmed that Bripka Hamzah has encouraged residents to utilise local potential by cultivating seaweed. The majority of seaweed farmers are women, whilst their husbands engage in fishing.

“Beyond his direction, residents have shown initiative in following his guidance. When seaweed is sold in Banggai Laut, prices are considerably higher there. Alhamdulillah, we have no debt bondage to any local bosses here. We are free to sell our products to the town via passenger ships. This freedom came about because Bripka Hamzah conducted surveys to verify the inflated prices some bosses were offering,” Nursalim recounted.

Bripka Hamzah’s account

In the Hoegeng Corner 2025 programme, Bripka Hamzah recounted his initial assignment to Sonit Village around 2008–2009. He was then tasked by his superiors to ensure security in the village due to potential threats to public order and safety.

Police intelligence at the time indicated a potential conflict: rumours had emerged that Sonit Village would be transferred to the Taliabu Islands in North Maluku. Whilst Sonit Village is geographically closer to the Taliabu Islands, it has historically remained part of the Banggai Islands.

“Banggai Laut is much further away, roughly five to six hours by boat. So this border region is eastern Indonesia in Sulawesi, the nation’s outermost frontier bordering North Maluku,” said Bripka Hamzah.

However, the potential security threat was successfully contained. The community resumed normal activities.

Subsequently, community leaders requested that the local police headquarters reassign Bripka Hamzah to Sonit Village. The police chief accordingly assigned him to remain there.

“At that time I was still a police post commander (Kapospol), not yet formally a Bhabinkamtibmas,” Bripka Hamzah recalled.

Around 2011, Bripka Hamzah was formally appointed as Bhabinkamtibmas of Sonit Village. He expressed willingness to comply with whatever orders his superiors issued.

“It is my duty to remain ready,” said Bripka Hamzah.

He then explained the considerable travel difficulties involved in reaching Sonit Village. From Central Sulawesi, travellers depart from Luwuk in Banggai Regency, boarding a ship to Banggai Laut Regency.

Thereafter, the journey continues by boat to Sonit Village. Bripka Hamzah noted that the journey from Banggai Laut to Sonit Village takes roughly five hours.

However, the boat typically passes through two other villages—Kasuari and Timpaus—before finally arriving at Sonit Village, extending the journey to approximately eight hours.

“Departing from Banggai Laut at 10 in the morning, we usually arrive there at night,” said Bripka Hamzah.

He stated that he continually endeavours to fulfil his duties with sincerity. Community service remains his priority despite occasional obstacles.

“The main difficulty arises when police headquarters or posts schedule activities that do not coincide with the ship’s schedule. In such cases, I must use a traditional fishing boat (perahu ketinting) belonging to local fishermen,” he added.

During his service there, Bripka Hamzah has frequently travelled using fishermen’s boats to reach other islands. One vessel he travelled on even experienced engine failure whilst at sea. Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude for the safety he has been afforded whilst performing his duties.

His daily activities include visiting residents to identify their concerns. Bripka Hamzah frequently provides basic food assistance to needy community members.

“Alhamdulillah, with the presence of a community policing officer there, even though assistance is modest, the residents feel blessed,” he said.

The funds for community assistance come from the Bhabinkamtibmas budget. However, Bripka Hamzah noted that when this allocation proves insufficient, he uses personal funds.

“Alhamdulillah, typically rice and basic groceries. During my visits, I observe what they need and purchase those items, speaking and engaging in dialogue with them,” he explained.

Additionally, he has endeavoured to empower the community by leveraging local potential and economic opportunities available in the region.