Police Destroy 397 Illegal Homemade Firearms in South Sumatra

The South Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumsel) have destroyed 397 illegal homemade firearms during Operation Musi 2026, which ran from 12 to 27 June. South Sumatra Police Chief, Inspector General Sandi Nugroho, stated the hundreds of illegal firearms comprised 284 long-barrelled weapons and 113 short-barrelled weapons. He said 31 suspects involved in the misuse of illegal firearms were also arrested. “The results of this operation are quite significant, both for long-barrelled and short-barrelled weapons. This signifies that the state is present to secure the public in matters relating to firearms,” he said in a written statement on Friday (3/7). Sandi explained the operation was conducted to eliminate public fear regarding the prevalence of criminals using firearms. He said this allows the public to carry out activities, work, worship, and attend school safely without fear due to the large number of firearms in circulation. “The South Sumatra Regional Police ensures that this responsibility for maintaining security and order is a representation of the state’s presence in the community,” he said. Furthermore, Sandi stated that of the hundreds of firearms destroyed, 234 illegal weapons were voluntarily surrendered by members of the public. According to him, this is also a sign that public awareness regarding the possession of illegal firearms has increased. Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations for the South Sumatra Police, Senior Commissioner Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, said this destruction also serves as a firm warning to all criminals. On the occasion, he also urged members of the public who are still storing or know of any illegal firearms to immediately surrender them to the nearest authorities before firm legal action is taken. “We greatly appreciate residents who have been proactive and brave enough to voluntarily surrender their homemade firearms,” he stated.