Drug Prevention Strengthened: South Sumatra Regional Police Implement 'Herd Immunity Policing' to Build Community Resilience
The South Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumsel) are continuously strengthening efforts to protect the younger generation from the dangers of drugs. One such method is through a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) held by the Narcotics Investigation Function in Palembang.
This forum, held on Thursday (1/10/2026), was intended to develop prevention strategies based on community resilience and cross-sector collaboration.
Deputy Chief of South Sumatra Police, Brigadier General Pol. Rony Samtana, opened the event representing the Chief of South Sumatra Police, Inspector General Pol. Sandi Nugroho. The FGD carried the theme: “Strategy for Strengthening Herd Immunity Policing to Tackle Narcotics Crime in the Framework of a Productive and Inclusive National Economic Resilience.”
In the speech delivered by the Chief of Police, the Deputy Chief emphasised the importance of making prevention the primary measure of success in protecting the community. Law enforcement actions against perpetrators must be accompanied by efforts to build an environment capable of countering drug trafficking and abuse.
“We are not proud of being able to arrest criminals, but we are prouder if that crime can be prevented and results in a sense of security,” said the Deputy Chief while reading the Chief’s address.
This message was delivered following a press conference regarding the exposure of a case and the interception of a shipment containing 35 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (shabu) and 600 Happy Five pills. This discovery serves as an important reminder of the need to strengthen community protection through both law enforcement and prevention involving various parties.
Through the concept of ‘herd immunity policing’, Polda Sumsel is encouraging the formation of collective resilience against narcotics threats. The community is expected to play an active role in guarding their environment and becoming part of the prevention system.
“The community is not merely an object of protection, but an active part of the prevention system,” the Deputy Chief stated, conveying the Chief’s message.
Strengthening this resilience requires cooperation between local governments, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), other law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and all elements of society. In his address, the Chief of Police emphasised that healthy, drug-free human resources are the primary capital for supporting a productive and inclusive national economic resilience.
As per the agenda, the forum provided a space for presentations and discussions with representatives from the South Sumatra National Narcotics Board (BNNP), the South Sumatra Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), correctional services, the prosecutor’s office, the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), and the University of South Sumatra.
This exchange of views was directed towards strengthening narcotics control strategies in accordance with the respective roles of each institution.
Head of Public Relations for Polda Sumsel, Commissioner Pol. Nandang Mumin Wijaya, reaffirmed the importance of involving all elements of society in strengthening drug prevention.