LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM – The Kotapinang Police Sector (Polsek Kotapinang) held a Community Security and Order (Kamtibmas) outreach and crime prevention dialogue on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the village and sub-district hall in Kotapinang, Labuhanbatu Selatan. The meeting focused on rising cases of palm oil theft, drug abuse, and violence against children in the region.
The event brought together religious leaders, customary figures, village government representatives, palm oil business actors, and local residents.
Rising Concern Over Palm Oil Theft
Read Also: Child Abuse Cases Spark Concern in Labuhanbatu Selatan Labuhanbatu Selatan Police Chief AKBP Aditya S.P. Sembiring Muham, represented by
Kotapinang Police Chief AKP Maruli Tua Siregar, highlighted the increasing incidents of so-called "Ninja Sawit" — illegal harvesting and theft of fresh palm oil fruit bunches that have caused significant losses to farmers and companies.
AKP Maruli stressed that tackling such crimes cannot be done by the police alone.
"Issues related to
palm oil theft,
drugs, and sexual violence against children are serious challenges that require collective prevention. The police cannot work effectively without public support and cooperation from all elements of society," he said.
He also warned collection points, middlemen, and buyers not to purchase stolen palm oil products, stating that law enforcement would take firm action against illegal buyers.
Read Also: Torgamba Police Take Stand Against Palm Oil Theft and Drug Abuse RESIDENTS VOICE CONCERNS OVER PALM OIL THEFT:
Kotapinang residents express concerns over increasing
palm oil theft cases and support police efforts to address the issue. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Drug Abuse Threatens Rural CommunitiesIn addition to palm oil theft, the police also raised concerns over the growing spread of drugs in rural areas, which increasingly affects young people. Parents were urged to increase supervision and pay closer attention to their children's social environment.
Read Also: Kampung Rakyat Police Dismantle Suspected Drug Den in Air Merah Palm Oil Area Authorities emphasized that early prevention is key to stopping drug abuse from expanding further into communities.
Protecting Children from Violence and Abuse
Police also underlined the urgent need to protect children from violence and sexual exploitation. Residents were encouraged to immediately report any suspicious activities to authorities.
"Children must be protected together. Parents, communities, and authorities must work hand in hand so that drugs and sexual violence have no space in our society," AKP Maruli Tua added.
Read Also: Labuhanbatu Selatan Marks Hardiknas 2026 with Strong Call for Education Reform at SBBK Ceremony Community Welcomes Police InitiativeResidents responded positively to the dialogue, welcoming the direct communication between police and the community. Many said such engagements strengthen legal awareness and improve trust between citizens and law enforcement.
A local community representative noted that small-scale farmers are often the most affected by
palm oil theft, making the initiative highly important.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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