Drug Trafficking from Within Prisons a Serious Concern for South Sumatra Police and the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights
Palembang, VIVA – The South Sumatra Police are strengthening their strategic synergy with the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights (Kemenimipas) of South Sumatra Province to prevent potential security threats and drug trafficking from within correctional institutions.
This initiative was affirmed during a working visit held at the South Sumatra Police Headquarters on Thursday, 26 February, led by the Chief of South Sumatra Police, Inspector General Sandi Nugroho.
Data from the South Sumatra Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections shows that the number of inmates in South Sumatra reaches approximately 15,000, with more than half being drug offenders.
This figure has become a serious concern for both institutions, as drug trafficking networks controlled from within prisons remain a real threat to the stability of public order and security.
The meeting also evaluated the handling of the riot incident at the Musi Rawas Prison. The South Sumatra Police, together with the local police, had previously taken swift action to secure the area.
As a follow-up, the inmates involved have been transferred to Nusakambangan to minimise further escalation.
This step demonstrates a coordinated response pattern between security forces and the correctional system in maintaining regional stability.
The Chief of South Sumatra Police emphasised that modern security dynamics require cross-sectoral collaboration. In addition to the threat of drugs, he also highlighted the potential for cybercrime, social polarisation through digital media, and the importance of professionalism among law enforcement officers.
The Chief of Police hopes that strengthening coordination and internal supervision can prevent similar incidents from occurring in other regions of Indonesia.
The forum also discussed the implementation of the new Criminal Code, particularly regarding community service penalties, which expands the role of Probation Offices.
Cross-institutional coordination is considered crucial to ensure that this policy does not create loopholes in supervision, while also being able to reduce recidivism and strengthen public safety.
The Head of Public Relations of the South Sumatra Police, Commissioner Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, affirmed his institution’s commitment to maintaining regional security stability.
“Synergy with the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights is very strategic, especially in anticipating potential public order and security disturbances originating from within correctional institutions, including drug trafficking, which is a serious threat to the community,” he said.
The meeting took place in an orderly and conducive manner. Both parties agreed to maintain ongoing communication and collaboration as part of an integrated security system in South Sumatra.