South Sumatra Police Propam Inspects Thousands of Members' Firearms

The Professional and Security Division (Propam) of the South Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumsel) has inspected thousands of service firearms assigned to all personnel and work units down to the district police (Polres) level. The Head of Public Relations for Polda Sumsel, Senior Commissioner Nandang Mu’min Wijaya, stated that the inspection was centred at the Firearms Warehouse and directly led by the Head of Propam, Senior Commissioner Raden Azis Safitri. He noted that the inspection was carried out in line with directives from the South Sumatra Police Chief, Inspector General Sandi Nugroho, to strengthen internal supervision (Waskat) and maintain accountability in the use of service firearms. “A joint team from the Provos Sub-section of the Propam Division, along with logistics personnel, thoroughly examined thousands of firearms, both short-barrelled and long-barrelled,” he said in a written statement on Tuesday (7/4). “The inspection covered the physical condition of the weapons, cleanliness, and mechanical function to ensure all equipment is in operational readiness and fit for use in police duties,” he added. Nandang explained that the checks were conducted across various strategic work units, from the Traffic Directorate (Ditlantas), Mobile Brigade Security Directorate (Ditpamobvit), Intelligence and Security Directorate (Ditintelkam), Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus), Narcotics Directorate (Ditresnarkoba), Water and Air Police Directorate (Ditpolair), Traffic Security Directorate (Ditsamapta), to district police stations. He stated that overall, the majority of service firearms were managed well and in accordance with procedures, reflecting a high level of personnel discipline in the use and management of state assets. In addition to technical aspects, the inspection also emphasised administrative checks on firearm usage. Officers verified the validity of firearm borrowing and usage permits (IPPSA) held by members. “This step aims to ensure that every personnel handling firearms meets the administrative, psychological, and competency requirements set by the institution,” he explained. “This administrative regulation is an important instrument in preventing potential abuse of authority while ensuring all state assets are recorded transparently and accountably,” he continued. Nandang added that this periodic inspection also represents Polda Sumsel’s commitment to ensuring every service firearm is used responsibly in accordance with procedures. “We do not tolerate violations. Discipline is the lifeblood of the institution. With orderly and accountable firearm management, we demonstrate that Polda Sumsel operates professionally within the bounds of the law,” he said.