Police detain eight suspects in Sungguminasa Narcotics Prison vandalism incident

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

‘Eight provocateurs from the incident were immediately detained at the police station. Searches and examinations were conducted, and two of the eight tested positive for drug use,’ said Ditjenpas spokesperson Rika Aprianti in Jakarta on Monday night.

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

The AMPH’s protest was conducted without permission or prior notification to the police, either from Gowa Police Resort or Bontomarannu Police Station.

Rika stated that the protesters engaged in acts of vandalism, including deliberately crashing their motorcycles into the P2U entrance room, smashing windows, damaging visitation facilities for inmates and other prison infrastructure, and burning tyres.

‘The demonstration caused damage to several facilities and infrastructure,’ she said.

The protesters, Rika added, also carried sharp weapons such as badik daggers and bows. The incident caused fear and unrest among the surrounding community.

Regarding the incident, she said, the Sungguminasa Prison Chief immediately coordinated and reported the incident to Bontomarannu Police Station, Koramil 1409-03, and requested security assistance.

‘The prison authorities have coordinated with Bontomarannu Police Resort and continue to open dialogue channels,’ Rika said.