When Residents Waited for Clean Water, Manggarai Barat Traffic Police Arrived with Hope

Residents of Padang SMIP, Baru Cermin Village, Komodo District, Manggarai Barat, East Nusa Tenggara, were initially puzzled when a convoy of vehicles from the Manggarai Barat Police Traffic Unit entered their neighbourhood on Thursday afternoon. Some thought it was a traffic operation. But what arrived was not a raid, nor enforcement against traffic violations. Behind the patrol car, a tanker carrying 5,000 litres of clean water slowly entered the residential area, where locals often face water shortages. The arrival of the police that afternoon brought something the community needed more: clean water for daily needs. The activity, titled ‘Polantas Menyapa’, was part of a series of community service events by the Manggarai Barat Police to mark the 80th Police Day, commemorated every 1 July. Led directly by the Head of the Manggarai Barat Police Traffic Unit, AKP I Made Supartha Purnama, traffic police personnel and residents worked together to distribute clean water into dozens of jerry cans, buckets, and storage tanks prepared by the community. Long queues of residents formed. Housewives, the elderly, and children waited their turn in an orderly manner. Amid the hot weather blanketing Labuan Bajo, the aid came as a breath of fresh air for those in need. ‘This activity is a form of the police’s concern for the community. Clean water is a very important basic need. Therefore, we are here to help residents in need while also strengthening the relationship between the police and the community,’ said AKP Parta. According to him, the presence of the police in the community is not always synonymous with law enforcement. The police also have a social responsibility to be present and assist residents when they face everyday problems. ‘Traffic police are not only tasked with regulating traffic or carrying out enforcement. We want to be present as friends of the community, helping when needed and providing direct benefits,’ he said. During the water distribution, traffic police personnel also provided education on traffic safety. Using a relaxed and dialogical approach, residents were invited to understand the importance of using standard helmets, obeying traffic signs, and adopting a safe driving culture. This humanist approach received a positive response from the community. Besides receiving clean water aid, residents felt closer to the police officers who were present directly in their neighbourhood. Maria, a 42-year-old resident of Padang SMIP, expressed her gratitude for the assistance provided. ‘This clean water really helps us for cooking, drinking, and other household needs. We thank the Manggarai Barat Police for caring about the community,’ she said. A total of 5,000 litres of clean water was successfully distributed during the activity. By late afternoon, the water tanker had left the area. However, the presence of the police that afternoon left a simple message felt by the residents: the police are not only present when there are violations, but also when the community needs help.