LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Silangkitang Police Sector (Polsek Silangkitang) has significantly intensified monitoring of the fresh fruit bunch (FFB) palm oil supply chain amid concerns over alleged palm oil theft in the Silangkitang area, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency.
The strengthened measures were announced during a cross-sector coordination meeting led by
Silangkitang Police Chief, Iptu Rijaldi, at the Wiyata Praja Hall of the Silangkitang District Office on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Forkopimcam (district leadership forum), village heads, community leaders, plantation owners, as well as RAM (collection point) operators and palm oil traders.
Read Also: Kotapinang Police Crack Down on Palm Theft and Drugs in Sisumut Strict Oversight of Palm Oil Supply ChainIptu Rijaldi emphasized that the police are focusing on tightening control over distribution channels to curb theft in plantation areas.
"Do not give space to perpetrators. If there are no buyers, theft will naturally stop," he stated.
He revealed that from January to April 2026, three cases of palm oil theft were recorded within the Silangkitang Police jurisdiction. Although the number appears limited, it remains a serious concern due to its broader impact.
Read Also: Child Abuse Cases Spark Concern in Labuhanbatu Selatan "We are in a region dominated by plantations. If this is not controlled, it can lead not only to economic losses but also social conflict," Rijaldi added.
STRENGTHENED MONITORING: Iptu Rijaldi emphasizes strict supervision of the palm oil supply chain to curb theft in Silangkitang plantation areas. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Prevention Over Prosecution Approach
Read Also: Torgamba Police Intensify Crackdown on Palm Oil Theft The police also urged RAM operators and palm oil collection points to carefully verify the origin of incoming fresh fruit bunches to ensure legal sourcing.
"Prevention is more important than repression," the police chief stressed.
The coordination meeting also addressed drug abuse issues and the threat of forest and land fires (karhutla) in plantation areas.
Iptu Rijaldi underlined that the fight against drugs requires collective action from all elements of society.
Read Also: Kotapinang Police Call for Joint Action Against Palm Oil Theft, Drugs, and Child Violence "Combating drugs is not only the responsibility of the police but a shared duty," he said.
He further reminded the public to avoid land clearing through burning, warning of severe environmental and health consequences.
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT: Silangkitang District Head H. Ibsah Siregar supports enhanced measures to regulate the palm oil trade. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Read Also: Torgamba Police Take Stand Against Palm Oil Theft and Drug Abuse Joint Effort for Security and Drug PreventionSilangkitang Police Investigation Head, Aipda Dodi Iskandar, explained that the police provide a coordination channel for residents seeking rehabilitation assistance for family members affected by drug addiction.
"Come to the police station, and we will coordinate with the narcotics division of the Labusel Police," he said.
Silangkitang District Head (Camat), Ibsah Siregar, expressed support for the police initiatives, stressing the importance of joint efforts in maintaining public order and security.
Read Also: Kampung Rakyat Police Dismantle Suspected Drug Den in Air Merah Palm Oil Area Local community representative RM. Murno also emphasized the need for stricter monitoring of palm oil collection points to cut off opportunities for offenders.
Shared Commitment to Regional Security
The coordination meeting was also attended by military and civil representatives, including Danramil 11/Kotapinang Mayor Inf Hendra Gunawan, religious leaders, village officials, and stakeholders from the palm oil industry.
All participants agreed to strengthen collaboration to firmly suppress illegal palm oil supply chains in the region. (IDNC)
Read Also: Labuhanbatu Selatan Marks Hardiknas 2026 with Strong Call for Education Reform at SBBK Ceremony REPORTER:
Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala