Eight Provocateurs Arrested After Violent Gowa Narcotics Prison Protest, Two Test Positive for Drugs

Eight individuals suspected of damaging the Gowa Narcotics Prison in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, have been detained by Bontomarannu Police Station.

“The eight provocateurs involved in the incident were immediately detained at the police station. Searches and examinations revealed that two of the eight tested positive for narcotics,” said Ditjenpas spokesperson Rika Aprianti in Jakarta on Monday evening.

The damage to Sungguminasa Prison occurred when approximately 40 people claiming to be members of the Alliance of Law Observers (AMPH) staged a demonstration inside the prison on Monday at 3:00 PM WITA.

The AMPH’s protest did not have police permission or notification from either Gowa Police Resort or Bontomarannu Police Station.

Rika stated that the protesters engaged in destructive acts, including deliberately crashing motorcycles into the P2U door area, throwing stones at windows, damaging visitor facilities for inmates, and other prison infrastructure, as well as burning tires.

“The demonstration caused damage to several facilities and infrastructure,” she said.

The protesters also carried sharp weapons such as badik (traditional daggers) and bows. The actions caused fear and unrest among the surrounding community.

Regarding the incident, she said the prison head immediately coordinated and reported the event to Bontomarannu Police Station and Koramil 1409-03, requesting security assistance.

“The prison has coordinated with Bontomarannu Police Resort and remains open to dialogue,” Rika added.