South Sumatra Police Chief Holds "Friday Chat" Session at Ar-Rahman Mosque, Gathers Community Aspirations

The South Sumatra Regional Police organised the “Friday Chat” programme at Ar-Rahman Mosque, Jalan Rimbo Mulyo, Talang Betutu Ward, Sukarami Subdistrict, Palembang City. The police listened to residents’ aspirations.

In a statement received by detikcom on Friday (8/5/26), the open dialogue forum, held after Friday congregational prayers, was led directly by South Sumatra Police Chief Irjen Sandi Nugroho, accompanied by the Deputy Police Chief of South Sumatra, the Internal Affairs Chief of Polda Sumsel, main officials of Polda Sumsel, elements from the Sukarami District Coordination Forum, religious figures, community leaders, and residents of Talang Betutu Ward.

The “Friday Chat” was conducted in a relaxed and equal atmosphere. The community was given ample space to express their aspirations directly to the top regional police leadership. This forum is part of the implementation of Polri Presisi, which positions two-way communication and a needs-based approach as the foundation of public services.

During the dialogue, residents raised several strategic issues directly related to basic community needs and the quality of life in the surrounding environment. Resident Muhammad Khadafi expressed appreciation for the attention and social assistance provided by Polda Sumsel to the Talang Betutu community. He hoped that the assistance and community empowerment programmes would continue sustainably and be targeted appropriately.

Sandi responded by affirming that all social assistance and community programmes would continue to be evaluated to ensure they truly reach those in need. Sandi also assured that all residents’ aspirations would be followed up through coordination with relevant units.

The next aspiration was voiced by another resident, Habibullah. He proposed utilising community ponds as a means of productive fish farming to support community-based food security programmes. According to him, local fisheries potential could serve as an additional economic source while strengthening residents’ food security at the ward level.

Additionally, Habibullah highlighted that some residential areas still face limitations in access to clean water, especially during the dry season.

Sandi welcomed the proposal positively and assessed that the fish pond empowerment idea has strategic value if managed sustainably together with local government and community groups.

“We are very open to productive community ideas such as pond-based food security. The important thing is that the management concept is clear and sustainable so that the benefits are truly felt by the community in the long term,” said Sandi.

Meanwhile, another resident, Adiansyah, raised complaints about the condition of several damaged road sections and the lack of street lighting in some residential areas. These conditions were seen to disrupt residents’ mobility and potentially create security disturbances, especially at night.

In response, Sandi emphasised that infrastructure issues are closely linked to aspects of community security and comfort. Therefore, all community inputs will be forwarded to the local government and relevant agencies for follow-up according to their respective authorities.

The Police Chief also requested that Community Guidance Officers (Bhabinkamtibmas), Police Station Chiefs, and Police Resort Chiefs continue to actively gather field information on community needs down to the neighbourhood (RT and RW) level. The “Friday Chat” programme is considered to have strategic value as a form of modern social intelligence, where the police gain a real picture of community issues directly from the field.

This approach strengthens the role of Polri not only as law enforcement apparatus but also as a social partner to the community in supporting development and welfare. Sandi stressed that Polri must be present in the midst of society in all dimensions of life, not just when security disturbances occur.

“Polri is present not only when there is criminality or security disturbances. We are present to listen to community issues holistically, from clean water needs, food security, street lighting, to infrastructure conditions. All aspirations today will be followed up through coordination with relevant parties. We want the community to truly feel the presence of Polri,” said Sandi.

Head of Public Relations of Polda South Sumatra Kombes Nandang Mu’min Wijaya emphasised that the “Friday Chat” programme will continue to be a priority for Polda Sumsel in building strong emotional ties between Polri and the community.

“When the Police Chief sits with the community in the mosque, listening to their aspirations one by one without protocol barriers, it shows that Polri is truly present as a protector and guardian of the community. ‘Friday Chat’ is not just a programme, but the most tangible form of service,” said Nandang.

Polda South Sumatra ensures that all aspirations received in the “Friday Chat” activity will be mapped and followed up through cross-sector coordination mechanisms with local government, regional-owned enterprises (BUMD), and relevant agencies to produce concrete and sustainable solutions for the people of South Sumatra.