To Prevent Potential Public Order and Security Disturbances, 500 Litres of Sopi Destroyed Following Raid in Central Maluku

Salahutu Sector Police (Polsek Salahutu) in Central Maluku’s Maluku province destroyed 500 litres of illegal sopi following a raid, aiming to curb potential disturbances to public order and security and crime. ‘This destruction is carried out to suppress potential disturbances to public order and safety and criminal acts triggered by consumption of alcoholic drinks,’ said AKP Aris, the head of Polsek Salahutu, in Maluku Tengah, on Friday, 22 May 2026. He explained that the hundreds of litres of sopi were the result of police raids at several entry points into Salahutu District, such as Hunimua Liang Port, speedboat bases, and areas selling illegal alcohol in the region. He noted that illegal alcoholic beverages remain one of the main triggers of crime and security disturbances in the Ambon and Central Maluku area, ranging from brawls to other violence. Aris said the confiscated sopi was illegal because it was produced and distributed without official permits and did not undergo health and food safety oversight. In addition, the liquor was traded without legal documents and distributed through unofficial channels, potentially endangering the public and triggering public order and security disturbances (Kamtibmas). Therefore, he said, the police will continue to intensify raids on illegal alcohol circulation, especially along ingress routes into Salahutu District, which have long been distribution points for such liquor. The destruction took place at the Salahutu Police Station, Tulehu Village, Salahutu District, Central Maluku, with involvement from Muspika elements of Salahutu District. Polsek Salahutu destroyed the evidence by pouring sopi directly from the packaging onto the ground in the police station yard.