PWI North Sumatra Office Robbed Again, Air Conditioner Copper Pipes Stolen

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The office of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) of North Sumatra Province on Jalan Adi Negoro, Medan Timur District, was targeted by thieves again. On Friday, August 21, 2026, the perpetrators cut and stole the copper pipes belonging to an air-conditioning unit. The office is located just a few meters from the Medan City Police Headquarters (Polrestabes Medan) and the Medan Prosecutor's Office.

The incident was discovered at around 8:00 a.m. local time when two security guards, Alim and Ahmad, entered the office to begin their duties. When they attempted to turn on the air conditioner, they found that the unit was not functioning. Upon checking the equipment, they discovered that the copper pipes had been cut and were missing.

The Deputy Chairman of PWI North Sumatra for Advocacy and Journalist Protection, Amrizal, S.H., M.H., said the office facilities had now been targeted by thieves three times. He urged the police to take the repeated thefts at the PWI North Sumatra office seriously and take immediate action.

"I ask the Chief of Polrestabes Medan, Kombes Pol Calvijn Simanjuntak, and the Chief of Medan Timur Police, Kompol Agus Butarbutar, to give this case special attention and ensure that the theft is thoroughly investigated. This is already the third incident. Previously, thieves also stole the outdoor air-conditioning unit and its hose," Amrizal said.

Repeated Break-Ins at PWI Office

The PWI North Sumatra office on Jalan Adi Negoro had previously been targeted by burglars. On Friday, March 17, 2017, thieves broke into the office and stole computers. Police officers went directly to the scene after receiving information about the break-in.

The 2017 incident is an important indication that the PWI North Sumatra office has not been targeted by thieves for the first time.

Regarding the latest incident, Amrizal said thieves had previously also stolen an outdoor air-conditioning unit along with its hose.

This time, the perpetrators once again targeted the air-conditioning system. They cut the copper pipe connecting the components of the unit, rendering the air conditioner inoperable.

Amrizal suspects that the latest theft could be linked to the individual or individuals who had previously targeted facilities at the office. However, he said the suspicion must be verified through police investigation and supporting evidence.

"We suspect that it was the same perpetrator. I ask the Chief of Polrestabes Medan to give this case special attention," Amrizal emphasized.

Security Near Police Headquarters Under Scrutiny

Amrizal also highlighted the location of the PWI North Sumatra office, which is situated in close proximity to Polrestabes Medan and the Medan Prosecutor's Office. In his view, the location should provide a sense of security for members of the public and employees who carry out their daily activities in the area.

He reiterated that the crime scene is only a few meters from the Polrestabes Medan building and the Medan Prosecutor's Office.

"So far, the perpetrators have not been caught. This is the PWI North Sumatra office. This concerns our dignity. How can thieves dare to operate at a PWI office located so close to a police station?" Amrizal said.

Following the latest theft at the PWI North Sumatra office, he also questioned the security situation around Polrestabes Medan.

"This means that the area around Polrestabes Medan appears to be vulnerable to theft and other crimes. How can people feel safe and comfortable if the area around Polrestabes Medan is so vulnerable to theft?" Amrizal stressed.

According to Amrizal, the police need to increase their attention to security conditions around the PWI North Sumatra office. He hopes officers will not only investigate the latest theft but also examine possible connections with previous incidents.

He said solving the case is important to ensure legal certainty while also maintaining security around the PWI North Sumatra office.

Medan Timur Police Chief Promises Action

Medan Timur Police Chief Kompol Agus Butarbutar told media representatives on Friday, August 21, 2026, that his office would pay attention to the incident.

"When did the incident happen? I will send the head of the investigative unit there," the Medan Timur Police Chief said.

The statement represents the police's initial response to the latest theft at the PWI North Sumatra office. PWI North Sumatra hopes officers will immediately visit the scene, assess the situation and gather information that can support further investigation.

Beyond the material losses caused by the theft of office equipment, the repeated incidents have also raised concerns among PWI officials, journalists and employees who carry out their daily activities at the office.

PWI North Sumatra is now awaiting further police action to investigate the theft of the air-conditioning copper pipes that occurred on Friday, August 21, 2026. The association hopes the investigation will also shed light on previous thefts and uncover possible links between the incidents so that the perpetrators can be identified quickly.

Following the 2017 break-in and several alleged thefts of air-conditioning components, security at the PWI North Sumatra office has once again come under scrutiny. The police are expected to handle the case seriously to prevent similar incidents from happening again. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

IKWI North Sumatra Marks 65th Anniversary, PWI Strengthens Women’s Role and Professional Journalist Families

Brimob North Sumatra Deploys Special Teams to Handle House Explosion in Medan Polonia

LBH Medan Demands Disclosure of Regional Budget Allocation for Police Building Renovations

Medan Court Grants Judicial Forgiveness to Two Defendants in Subsidized Pertalite Purchase Case

LBH Medan Files Complaint to Ombudsman Over Alleged Mismanagement of APBD Funds in North Sumatra