LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ Hundreds of residents from Sei Meranti Village, Torgamba District, Labuhanbatu Selatan, North Sumatra, gathered outside the Torgamba Police Station on Monday, April 27, 2026. The crowd demanded the immediate release of three villagers detained over an alleged arson case involving a vehicle reportedly owned by a palm oil thief.
The protest highlights growing public frustration fueled by prolonged economic hardship in the region. Locals argue that the April 10, 2026 incident was not a premeditated crime, but rather an emotional outburst triggered by repeated losses.
Rising Discontent Among Palm Oil Farmers
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"This was not a planned act. People have suffered repeated crop losses. What happened was purely an emotional reaction," he told police officers during the demonstration.
Torgamba is known as one of the key palm oil production centers in
Labuhanbatu Selatan. However, economic growth in the area has been accompanied by increasing security concerns, particularly theft of harvested crops.
For local farmers, losing fresh fruit bunches is not a minor setback but a direct blow to their livelihoods. This ongoing situation has led to mounting frustration, ultimately escalating into the arson incident, which now carries legal consequences.
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arson case. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Police Stress Due Legal ProcessTorgamba Police Chief AKP Sunipan Gurusinga stated that the investigation is still ongoing and will not be influenced by public pressure.
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His statement underscores the police's commitment to upholding due process, including the presumption of innocence and evidence-based legal proceedings.
The incident reflects broader tensions between formal legal frameworks and the community's sense of justice. While arson remains a criminal offense, underlying social factors have clearly influenced the actions of those involved.
Peaceful Protest and Calls for Dialogue
Read Also: Red-and-White Bridge Construction Begins in Silangkitang Despite the tense atmosphere, the demonstration remained largely peaceful. Security personnel were deployed to prevent any potential unrest or violent incidents.
Police presence helped maintain order while also allowing space for open dialogue between residents and authorities. A de-escalation approach was prioritized throughout the protest.
Residents now আশা that the ongoing
legal process will not only be conducted lawfully but also take into account the social context surrounding the case. Transparency and accountability remain key expectations from the public.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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