Viral Video Police Throw Heirloom into the Sea, Ternate Police Propam Hands Down

TERNATE - The Ternate Police Professional and Security Unit (Propam), North Maluku, is investigating a police officer regarding a viral video showing the act of dumping plastic packages containing liquor into the waters of Dufa-Dufa Port, Ternate.

The Public Relations Officer of the Ternate Police, Ipda Sudirjo, explained that the incident in the video was part of the destruction of evidence of alcoholic beverages found in the pier area.

However, the way of disposal by throwing plastic into the sea is considered inappropriate because it has the potential to pollute the environment.

The video circulating on social media showed a member of the Bhabinkamtibmas of the North Ternate Police who threw a plastic bag containing liquor into the waters of the Dufa-Dufa Port on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Responding to the viral video, the Ternate Police publicly gave a clarification and an apology to the public for the incident.

Sudirjo said that currently the Ternate Police Propam is conducting an in-depth examination of the members concerned for the purpose of internal evaluation in accordance with applicable regulations.

He admitted that there were mistakes in the implementation of the procedure for destroying evidence. According to him, the members' intention to eradicate the circulation of liquor was good, but the execution did not pay attention to the correct procedures and environmental impacts.

"The intention is good to eradicate the circulation of liquor, but the implementation is not appropriate because it does not pay attention to procedures and the impact on the environment," said Sudirjo, Antara, Thursday, January 22.

A formal apology was also made by the North Ternate Police Chief Iptu Rizki Kurniawan, especially to fishermen and residents around the Dufa-Dufa Port.

As a corrective measure, the Ternate Police confirmed that all future destruction of evidence of alcoholic beverages will be consolidated at the level of the Police and carried out in accordance with environmentally friendly procedures.

The Ternate Police stated its commitment to continue to improve, appreciate every input from the community, and increase professionalism and concern for the environment in every implementation of police service duties.