NTT Police Chief Warns Makers of Homemade Firearms to Cease Activities

East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Darmoko has warned makers of homemade firearms to cease their activities, citing the potential threat to security and the risk of triggering social conflict. “We firmly urge all parties still manufacturing homemade firearms to immediately stop their activities. If they are still found, we will of course take action in accordance with the applicable legal provisions,” he said during a press conference on the disclosure of conventional cases by the NTT Regional Police’s General Criminal Investigation Directorate and district police at the NTT Police Headquarters on Thursday. According to him, the circulation and use of homemade firearms not only violates the law, but also has the potential to disrupt public security and order. He stated that a number of social conflicts that have occurred in several areas in NTT were often exacerbated by the use of homemade weapons, which increased the escalation of violence. “We know that homemade firearms are one of the factors that trigger social conflict, including what happened on Adonara Island, East Flores Regency. Therefore, the existence of weapons like these must be a shared concern,” he said. The Police Chief also reminded owners and managers of home industries still producing homemade firearms to immediately stop these activities before facing legal proceedings. “On this occasion, I urge all owners of home industries manufacturing homemade firearms to stop their activities. Do not let these activities cause legal problems in the future,” he said. In addition to law enforcement, the NTT Regional Police will continue to carry out preventive measures and educate the public about the dangers of possessing and using illegal firearms. Rudi emphasised that his party would not provide space for activities that could threaten public safety. “Public security and safety are our priority. Therefore, all forms of possession and manufacture of illegal firearms will be a serious concern and dealt with according to applicable regulations,” he said. He also invited community leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and local governments to support efforts to prevent the circulation of homemade firearms in NTT. The Police Chief hopes the public will play an active role in providing information to the police if they become aware of any manufacturing, storage, or circulation activities of homemade firearms in their environment. “With good cooperation, we can prevent potential conflict and maintain peace in NTT,” he said. Previously, in a number of operations and the handling of social conflicts throughout 2025–2026, authorities in the region had confiscated and received the surrender of dozens to more than 80 homemade firearms from the community.