Tuesday, 16 June 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ Communication expert Muhammad Azwar has praised the performance of Polda Sumatera Utara, stating that its consistent implementation of transparency, humanistic communication, and institutional collaboration has significantly strengthened public trust in North Sumatra's law enforcement authorities.
Azwar delivered his remarks in early February 2026 during a talk show at Radio UMSU, alongside Bripka Pahala Nainggolan, a public relations representative of the North Sumatra Police. The discussion centered on what he described as "the three pillars of success" of the regional police force.According to Azwar, the institution has carried out its mandate of maintaining public order and security in line with the Presisi principle—an approach emphasizing predictive policing, accountability, and transparent justice.
Transparency as the Cornerstone of Public ConfidenceAzwar underscored that the North Sumatra Police consistently applies transparency in both external investigations and internal governance.
In criminal investigations, procedural steps, evidence handling, and the transfer of suspects to prosecutors are communicated clearly to the public."The public can follow developments in a clear and transparent manner," Azwar noted.
Internally, transparency is also reflected in recruitment processes, personnel development, and oversight mechanisms. He cited unannounced drug tests conducted on police officers in Tapanuli Tengah on February 23, 2026, as a concrete example of institutional accountability and integrity."Such openness deserves recognition. The public expects transparency to become a permanent culture within the police force," he added.
Human-Centered Policing Builds Community TrustBeyond transparency, Azwar highlighted the importance of empathetic and community-oriented communication strategies. He said the police have positioned themselves not merely as a security apparatus, but as an active social partner.
One example is the "Sahur On The Road" initiative organized during Ramadan in Langkat, where officers joined the local police chief in distributing pre-dawn meals to rickshaw drivers and residents. The program aimed not only to provide social support but also to help maintain a safe and peaceful environment throughout the holy month.Another initiative, "Safari Jumat," implemented in regions such as Labuhanbatu, involves police representatives attending Friday prayers and engaging directly with community members. Discussions often focus on youth protection and shared social responsibility.
Azwar noted that programs such as "Safari Jumat" and "Minggu Kasih" have evolved into integral elements of the organization's culture, reinforcing the human dimension of modern policing.Strategic Collaboration for Peaceful Elections
Collaboration with religious leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations has become another key success factor.Joint iftar gatherings and dialogue forums have strengthened social cohesion across communities. Ahead of the 2024 elections, the North Sumatra Police partnered with youth organizations, religious groups, and civic associations in several regions, including Sibolga, to promote peaceful and dignified electoral processes.
Bripka Pahala Nainggolan emphasized that the success of the three-pillar strategy stems from careful analysis of public expectations. Feedback gathered from social media, online news reports, and direct engagement with religious and youth leaders has been systematically evaluated."The success of this strategy is the result of the collective efforts of all units within the North Sumatra Police," he said.
Through the integrated application of transparency, humanistic communication, and collaborative engagement, the North Sumatra Police continue to position themselves as a modern security institution committed to public accountability and social responsibility. (IDNC)REPORTER: Darmailawati
