Inspector Nyarna's Community Service in Bengkulu: Charity Initiatives and Home Renovation Programme
Inspector Nyarna has emerged as a police officer who not only maintains security but actively engages in humanitarian action to serve the community. His principle of being a beneficial member of society motivates him in his role as Sector Police Commander of Kampung Melayu, Bengkulu, to continuously serve the public.
Due to his dedication, Inspector Nyarna has been nominated for the Hoegeng Awards 2026 by Karimullah, Lurah (village head) of Kandang Mas, Kampung Melayu, Bengkulu. Nyarna is recognised as an innovative and productive police officer in carrying out community activities.
“I regard Mr Nyarna as a member of the Police force who is deeply committed to society. Most importantly, he strongly supports programmes from the Central Government, particularly those related to food security,” said Karimullah.
In conducting these activities, Inspector Nyarna frequently communicates with various stakeholders. According to Karimullah, Nyarna has been instrumental in driving the food security programme in his jurisdiction.
“Mr Nyarna has engaged farmer groups in his working area of Kampung Melayu to strengthen food security,” explained Karimullah.
Through their interactions, Karimullah has come to know Inspector Nyarna as a humanistic police officer who is close to the community. For Karimullah, Nyarna truly embodies the vision of ‘Police for Society’.
“Many of my community members are very sympathetic towards him and hold him in high regard,” he noted.
Timor Diyanto, Head of the Bengkulu Social Care Service Unit (UPTD), also attested to Inspector Nyarna’s character. He came to know Nyarna whilst collaborating on the Perjaka (plantation, spiritual, crickets, goats and chickens) elderly empowerment programme.
“I truly know Inspector Nyarna because we have collaborated together, particularly on the Perjaka programme, which continues to operate,” said Timor.
Timor explained that Perjaka is an empowerment programme for elderly residents at the care facility to prevent them from feeling bored. Approximately 85 per cent of residents participate in the programme.
“We had 75 residents at that time; currently we have 65,” he stated.
The programme utilises vacant land at the UPTD facility. The elderly can spend their time gardening and caring for livestock.
“We have land around their living quarters and some behind the buildings that the elderly can use if they are interested in farming. Some might want to plant long beans, for example. We provide the seeds and farming tools,” explained Timor.
Timor stated that the Perjaka programme continues to operate. Regarding funding, the programme operates entirely without APBD (regional budget) allocation.
“The funding comes entirely from Mr Nyarna. I observed that he initially provided four goats as livestock,” added Timor.
Inspector Nyarna’s Story
At the Hoegeng Corner 2025 programme, Inspector Nyarna recounted how he became involved in various community service initiatives in Bengkulu. His first initiative was a home renovation programme whilst he was serving as a junior officer.
Nyarna has implemented this programme wherever he has been posted. Since 2010 to the present, approximately 100 houses have been renovated by Nyarna and his team.
“Wherever I am posted, this is my mainstay, as an expression of gratitude. I move forward regardless of where I am stationed,” said Nyarna.
The home renovation assistance programme mechanism begins with community proposals. Inspector Nyarna and his team then conduct surveys and contact local community leaders to determine whether houses warrant renovation.
“Sometimes we go to the field to meet the village head, request names of deserving residents, conduct a survey, and if they qualify, we submit a report. This goes either to the Police Chief or the Provincial Police Commander,” explained Nyarna.
The funding comes from donors. Additionally, Nyarna has organised charity days whilst stationed at the Police Resort.
“Funding comes from charity days, donors, a portion from my own salary, the municipal and provincial Baznas (Islamic charity boards), and sometimes property developers. If I manage the implementation, people trust the process,” he added.
The team assisting Nyarna in implementing the home renovation programme is informal. However, he consistently reports progress to his superiors.
“We report to our leadership; there is accountability and documentation,” he stated.
Regarding accountability to donors, Nyarna typically invites them to the foundation-laying ceremony. Some have been surprised by the quality of the renovations.
“There is a team managing the funds, not just me. Communities contribute materials—some provide a sack of cement, others offer transport with their vehicles. Everything is done spontaneously,” he explained.
In determining which contractors will undertake the work, Nyarna collaborates with other parties. The renovation process involves skilled workers to ensure quality results.
“We employ experienced foremen and work with developers,” said Nyarna.
For his dedication, Nyarna received appreciation from the Bengkulu Police Chief and attended officer training in 2017. During his education at Setukpa Police Institution, he also used the opportunity to serve the community.
“I sought out poor families. After receiving aid from my office, basic groceries, I distributed them to pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) and needed individuals. I was able to renovate four houses during that period using voluntary contributions,” said Nyarna.