LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Residents of Air Merah Village in Kampung Rakyat District, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency, have urged the Kampung Rakyat Police to take firm and immediate action against drug dealers, palm oil thieves, and receivers of stolen palm oil products, whose activities are increasingly disturbing the community.
The demand was strongly voiced during a public discussion and community outreach session held at the Air Serdang A3 Community Hall on Friday, May 8, 2026. The event was attended by
Kampung Rakyat Police Chief AKP Muhammad Ilham Lubis, police officers, Kampung Rakyat Subdistrict Head Ali Brahamsar Nasution, Labuhanbatu Selatan Child Protection Agency (KPAD) Chairman Ilham Daulay, acting village head Samsir Siregar, community leaders, youth representatives, and local residents.
Residents expressed serious concerns over the growing circulation of illegal drugs and rampant theft of palm oil fruit allegedly linked to organized fencing networks operating in the area.
Read Also: Kotapinang Police Crack Down on Palm Theft and Drugs in Sisumut Residents Urge Police to Take Decisive MeasuresSeveral residents criticized law enforcement authorities for what they described as a lack of firm action against drug syndicates and the so-called palm oil mafia, which they believe continue to operate freely in Air Merah.
Head of Gariang Pasar Hamlet, Herman Alamsyah Nasution, urged the police to demonstrate their commitment to eradicating crime in the village. Similar concerns were raised by
Air Merah Karang Taruna youth leader Raja Arif Nasution, who said the community's worries had persisted for a long time.
Kampung Rakyat Subdistrict Head Ali Brahamsar Nasution stated that the local administration fully supports efforts to combat drug trafficking and palm oil theft.
Read Also: Kotapinang Police Call for Joint Action Against Palm Oil Theft, Drugs, and Child Violence "The Kampung Rakyat subdistrict administration fully supports efforts to eradicate drug trafficking and the theft of palm oil fruit and palm waste in
Air Merah. However, these efforts cannot succeed without community support. Residents must provide information to the police," he said.
REPORTING DRUG DEALERS AND PALM OIL FENCERS: Kampung Rakyat Police Chief AKP Muhammad Ilham Lubis calls on residents to actively report drug dealers and illegal palm oil collectors operating in Air Merah.
Representing Labuhanbatu Selatan Police Chief AKBP Aditya S.P. Sembiring Muham, Kampung Rakyat Police Chief AKP Muhammad Ilham Lubis assured residents that authorities would take strict legal action against drug dealers, palm oil thieves, and illegal collectors in accordance with the law.
Read Also: Torgamba Police Take Stand Against Palm Oil Theft and Drug Abuse "I urge the public to report methamphetamine dealers, palm oil thieves, and illegal collectors so we can immediately take legal action," he stated.
Children and Teenagers Allegedly Drawn Into Crime
During the discussion, residents also expressed concern over the alleged involvement of children and teenagers in palm oil theft activities.
A resident identified as Melawati said many of the perpetrators were still junior high school students.
Read Also: Kampung Rakyat Police Bust Meth Dealer, Network Linked to Rantau Prapat "Many of those stealing palm oil fruit are middle school students. When we try to advise them, they sometimes react aggressively," she explained.
Labuhanbatu Selatan KPAD Chairman Ilham Daulay revealed an even more alarming situation. According to him, many children now prefer collecting leftover palm oil rather than attending school because the money earned is allegedly used to buy methamphetamine.
"Many children now choose to collect palm oil waste instead of going to school because the money is later exchanged for drugs," he said.
Ilham warned that the situation clearly indicates how drug abuse is beginning to destroy the future of the younger generation in Air Merah.
Read Also: Residents in Torgamba Demand Release of Three Arson Suspects PUBLIC DISCUSSION ON DRUG PREVENTION AND PALM OIL THEFT: Residents of
Air Merah Village attend a public discussion at the Air Serdang A3 Community Hall on Friday, May 8, 2026. (PHOTO: Jhon Fitra Sagala)
Police Prepare "Operation Compassion"Responding to the residents' concerns, Kampung Rakyat Police announced intensified preventive and monitoring measures under a program called "Operation Compassion."
Under the operation, police officers will monitor children and teenagers found outside their homes during school hours or late at night. Parents will be summoned, and urine tests will be conducted on the youths involved.
If drug use is detected, rehabilitation measures will be recommended.
AKP Muhammad Ilham Lubis also explained revisions in Indonesia's new Criminal Code regarding minor criminal offenses.
"Under the previous Criminal Code, detention could be imposed for losses amounting to Rp2.5 million. Under the new Criminal Code, detention can already be applied for losses starting from Rp500,000," he explained.
The public discussion concluded in a safe and orderly atmosphere. Residents now hope for concrete and consistent action from authorities to effectively combat drug trafficking and the palm oil mafia in
Air Merah.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala