South Sumatra Police crack down on glue-sniffing street children at Amper Bridge

South Sumatra Police, through Palembang City Police, acted swiftly on reports of street children allegedly using Aibon adhesive glue at Amper Bridge. The operation forms part of the police’s commitment to national child protection and public order maintenance.

The intervention began after a viral social media video on Instagram, posted by ‘Abang Taun’, showed teenagers allegedly inhaling glue at Amper Bridge. The footage drew public concern over child safety and potential disruption to tourism in the iconic site.

On Tuesday, 26 May 2026, at approximately 5:22pm WIB, Ilir Timur I Police station officers conducted a sweep around Pasar 16 Ilir and beneath Amper Bridge, apprehending several minors for preliminary data collection, assessment, and persuasive counselling.

Palembang City Police Chief Police Commissioner Sonny Mahar Budi Adityawan emphasised a protective and developmental approach rather than purely legal action. ‘We coordinate with Palembang City Social Affairs Office and families to ensure child protection protocols are followed. The police are here not just to maintain security but to safeguard youth from harmful influences and substances,’ he stated on 28 May.

The operation aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s priority on developing high-quality human resources and Polri’s ‘Presisi’ concept focusing on humanitarian service, swift response, and comprehensive community protection.

Police presence in public spaces enhances public comfort and social stability in Palembang. Early intervention in teenage delinquency is crucial to prevent further criminal activities, substance abuse, child exploitation, and threats to tourist and economic zones.

South SumatraPolice Public Relations Chief Police Commissioner Nandang Mu’min Wijaya highlighted collaboration between police, local government, families, and community as key to protecting children from social influences. ‘We fully support government programmes for societal welfare and youth protection. All public reports will be addressed promptly, appropriately, and humanely. These children must be saved through collective efforts to prevent further descent into harmful behaviour,’ he said.