Firearms Are Still Widely Circulated In The Community, Pangdam XVI Holds A Meeting With The Maluku Police Chief Inspector General Lotharia Latif

Pangdam XVI/Pattimura Maj. Gen. Richard Tampubolon met Kapolda Maluku Inspector General Pol. Lotharia Latif/ Antara

AMBON - Commander of the Military Command XVI/Pattimura, Major General Richard Tampubolon, met with the Maluku Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Lotharia Latif, to discuss the handling of security and public order (Kamtibmas) in this province, including the circulation of illegal firearms in the community.

The meeting which took place at the Pattimura Makodam, in Ambon, Monday, March 28, Pangdam Richard expressed his gratitude for the presence of Police Chief Lotharia to discuss current issues in the Maluku region, particularly related to the shooting incident by an unknown person (OTK) that occurred again on Haruku Island, Central Maluku Regency.

The shooting by OTK took place in the Rual-Rual Forest area, about 6 kilometers from Nama'a Hamlet, Pelauw Country, Haruku Island, Saturday, March 26 at around 5:45 pm WIT resulting in the death of a resident of Nama'a Hamlet, Ibrahim Sangaji (47).

The Military Commander highlighted the issue of firearm ownership which is still widely circulated in the community. Therefore, the Pangdam emphasized that XVI/Pattimura Military Command was ready to assist the Maluku Police in law enforcement.

"Kodam is ready to support the Regional Police anytime and anywhere in law enforcement. In this process, there will definitely be some obstacles, but the Kodam is ready to overcome these obstacles because law enforcement is important to maintain public trust in the Police and TNI," said Commander Richard, quoted by Antara.

He stated that he is ready to take firm action if there are parties who threaten the safety of soldiers and the community. "For those who do not have the authority to own firearms and threaten the safety of soldiers and the public, I order strict action to be taken," he said.

Lotharia Police Chief in the meeting stated that about the security and social security under the jurisdiction of the Haruku Police, the Maluku Police together with the Ambon Police continues to monitor the development of the situation and conditions with the assistance of the XVI/Pattimura Military Command.

His party seeks to investigate the circulation of illegal firearms in the community and urges non-interested parties, including the public, to surrender firearms voluntarily.

Likewise, various efforts related to resolving conflicts between residents on Haruku Island and peace efforts continue to be carried out by involving various community components, he said.

The Police Chief emphasized that his visit to the XVI/Pattimura Military Command was to stay in touch as well as to strengthen communication, solidity, and synergy between the two institutions.

The Police Chief and the Commander hope that the cooperation between the two institutions will be more solid and synergistic in every implementation of the task of maintaining security and order ahead of Ramadan in the Maluku and North Maluku regions.