ACEH TENGAH | INDATANEWS.COM - Police in Aceh Tengah, North Sumatra, joined forces with several security agencies on Thursday, 5 November 2026, to conduct a large-scale search of Takengon Class IIB Prison. During inspections of all prison accommodation blocks, officers discovered a total of 53 items prohibited within the facility. However, no narcotics, mobile phones or other communication devices were found.
The operation was personally led by
Aceh Tengah Police Chief AKBP Teguh Siswoyo, S.H., S.I.K., M.H., alongside
Takengon Prison Governor Rusli, S.H., M.H. The search was intended to prevent drug abuse, stop
prohibited items from being smuggled into the facility, and maintain security and order throughout the prison.
The operation involved officers from Aceh Tengah Police, personnel from Brimob Company 3 of Battalion D Pelopor, members of the Subden POM IM 1-5 Takengon Military Police unit, and Takengon Prison staff. The participation of several security agencies highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in strengthening supervision within the correctional system.
Joint Operation Involving Four Security Agencies
Before the search began, all personnel attended an operational briefing at around 9 am Western Indonesian Time (WIB) at the Aceh Tengah Police headquarters parade ground on Jalan Lebe Kader in Takengon. Following the briefing, the joint team proceeded to Takengon Class IIB Prison in Blang Kolak II Village, Bebesen District.
Upon arrival, Police Chief Teguh Siswoyo and Prison Governor Rusli gave further instructions to the personnel. Both stressed that the search had to be conducted professionally, humanely and calmly, with strict adherence to the applicable standard operating procedures (SOPs).
These instructions were particularly important because the operation involved searching inmates' accommodation areas, which form part of the correctional and rehabilitation environment. Officers were instructed to carry out the inspections in an orderly manner while respecting both security requirements and inmates' rights.
To ensure the operation proceeded smoothly, the joint team was divided into two groups with separate responsibilities. The first group was assigned to search the accommodation blocks, while the second secured the outer and middle sections of the prison buildings.
The inspections were carried out in stages. Inmates were escorted out of their accommodation areas one by one, allowing officers to conduct thorough searches without compromising the overall security of the facility.
Representatives of the inmates and prison staff were also present as witnesses during each inspection. This arrangement was intended to ensure transparency and confirm that all procedures were carried out in accordance with the applicable regulations.
STRENGTHENING CORRECTIONAL SECURITY: Takengon Prison Governor Rusli highlights the importance of regular inspections as part of supervision and rehabilitation efforts, as well as support for the 13 acceleration programmes introduced by the Minister of Immigration and Corrections. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Officers Discover 53 Prohibited Items
During searches of all accommodation blocks, officers recorded a total of 53 items that were not permitted in inmates' living quarters. The items consisted of various everyday objects which could pose a security risk if used improperly.
The confiscated items included 24 cigarette lighters, five manual razors, three bottles of perfume, one sheet of sandpaper, one nail clipper, four razor blades, one skipping rope, nine nails, two pairs of tweezers, one broken broom handle, one set of Joker playing cards and two batteries for Hannoc remote controls.
Cigarette lighters accounted for the largest number of items discovered, with 24 seized. Officers also found nine nails and four razor blades. These objects require particular attention because they could present security risks if misused.
Although several
prohibited items were discovered, officers found no narcotics throughout the operation. No mobile phones or other communication devices were detected in the accommodation blocks either.
All recovered items were subsequently recorded and inventoried by prison staff. Their further handling will be managed by the prison administration in accordance with the applicable regulations. The measures form part of ongoing efforts to control objects that could undermine security and order within the facility.
The findings will also provide a basis for evaluating and improving the supervision of inmates' personal belongings and the equipment kept in their accommodation areas. Consistent inspections are essential to prevent dangerous or unauthorised objects from entering the prison.
SECURITY AGENCIES JOIN FORCES AGAINST DRUGS: Aceh Tengah Police Chief AKBP Teguh Siswoyo explains that the joint search is a preventive measure to maintain security within the prison and prevent the misuse of prohibited items. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Prison Strengthens Security and Rehabilitation Measures
Takengon Prison Governor Rusli explained that searches of inmates' accommodation areas were part of routine inspection, supervision and rehabilitation measures. He said these activities were essential to maintaining a safe, orderly and stable environment within the correctional facility.
Rusli also stated that the joint operation reflected
Takengon Prison's commitment to implementing the daily directives and the 13 acceleration programmes introduced by the Minister of Immigration and Corrections.
One of the main priorities of these programmes is combating drug trafficking and online fraud activities allegedly directed from correctional institutions and state detention facilities.
Through regular inspections, the prison administration aims to prevent various potential violations that could undermine rehabilitation efforts. In addition to ensuring that
prohibited items are not kept in inmates' accommodation areas, the measures are also intended to strengthen discipline and encourage inmates to comply with all applicable regulations.
The involvement of the police, Brimob and military police also demonstrated the importance of cooperation between different agencies in maintaining security within the correctional system.
Aceh Tengah Police Chief AKBP Teguh Siswoyo said the joint search demonstrated inter-agency cooperation and coordination. He added that the operation also supported the directive issued by National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto, S.I.K., M.Si., Dr. (H.C.), to combat drug abuse and illicit narcotics trafficking.
The operation also supported the Quick Wins programme for restoring drug-affected areas, which aims to prevent and combat narcotics trafficking in various settings, including state detention facilities and correctional institutions.
Teguh reported that officers had found neither narcotics nor communication devices during the search. However, they had discovered several
prohibited items, including cigarette lighters, nails, razor blades and other utensils. Although these objects served different purposes, he warned that they could pose a danger if misused.
He explained that the operation was not solely intended to identify and confiscate prohibited items. It was also a preventive measure aimed at maintaining security and creating a safe and comfortable environment for everyone living and working within the prison. According to him, a secure correctional environment was an important prerequisite for successful rehabilitation.
Teguh expressed hope that all inmates would use their time in detention to reflect on their behaviour, participate actively in rehabilitation programmes and prepare themselves for a better life after release.
He also called on all parties to work together through continuous supervision and coordination to maintain security and order. He emphasised that a stable and safe prison environment could only be achieved through the commitment of prison staff, law enforcement agencies and inmates' willingness to comply with the rules.
In closing, Teguh reiterated that the shared objective was to ensure the prison remained a safe and orderly institution. He also expressed his hope that all inmates would receive divine guidance, improve their conduct and refrain from committing further offences when they returned to society.
The joint search at Takengon Prison forms part of broader efforts to strengthen security inspections within the correctional system and prevent both drug trafficking and the smuggling of dangerous items. Although no narcotics or communication devices were found, the 53 confiscated prohibited items highlight the importance of regular inspections in maintaining security and supporting the successful rehabilitation of inmates. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Adli Safwan | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala