North Maluku Regional Police Receive 32 Illegal Firearms as Sign of Increased Public Safety Awareness
AMBON (ANTARA) - The North Maluku Regional Police (Polda Maluku Utara) have received the voluntary surrender of 32 illegal firearms from the community, demonstrating increased public awareness regarding the maintenance of security and public order (kamtibmas) in the region.
North Maluku Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Arif Budiman, stated in Ternate on Wednesday that in addition to the 32 firearms, authorities also seized 358 rounds of ammunition and eight magazines during police operations conducted by the Brimob Unit across several areas.
“During the first release on 5 August 2026, three illegal firearms were voluntarily surrendered. Subsequently, during the second release on 17 August 2026, the number increased to 16 units,” he said.
He noted that in the most recent activity, the number of illegally held firearms voluntarily surrendered has risen again to 32 units.
“The increase in the number of weapons voluntarily handed over by the community shows that citizens are becoming more aware of the risks of possessing illegal firearms, which have the potential to be misused and disrupt security,” he added.
The dozens of firearms consist of various types, including improvised, semi-improvised, and organic weapons.
Specifically, there were 20 improvised long-barreled weapons, three semi-improvised long-barreled weapons, and three organic long-barreled weapons, consisting of two Mauser-type weapons and one M1 Garand.
Regarding short-barreled weapons, the police seized two improvised weapons and four organic weapons, which included two Smith & Wesson revolvers, one Colt Combat Commander, and one Thompson gun.
In addition to the firearms, the North Maluku Regional Police secured 358 rounds of ammunition, comprising 331 rounds of 7.56 calibre and 27 rounds of 5.56 calibre, as well as eight magazines.
The surrender of these illegal firearms originated from several areas, namely North Halmahera Regency, Morotai Island Regency, Central Halmahera Regency, and Ternate City.
The North Maluku Police Chief expressed his appreciation to the community for choosing to surrender illegal firearms to the police voluntarily. According to him, this step is a vital part of preventing firearm misuse that could trigger security disturbances.
He urged anyone still possessing or controlling illegal firearms to surrender them immediately to the police to ensure they are not used to commit criminal acts or threaten public safety.
“The North Maluku Regional Police will continue to conduct policing activities and community engagement as part of a collective effort to realise a safe and conducive security situation in North Maluku,” he concluded.