Padang – Civil Servant Investigating Officer (PPNS) from Class II Railway Engineering Centre Padang, the Directorate General of Railways (Kemenhub), and the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) of the West Sumatra Regional Police have collaborated to jointly investigate the growing cases of state asset theft that have occurred in Sawahlunto.

Previously, BTP Padang, through its Sawahlunto Service Unit, recorded several incidents of railway asset theft in 2024 on several sections, including KM 133+600 Solok-Sungai Lasi and the Batu Tabal-Kacang-Singkarak section. Stolen items included railway rails, iron tie plates, and fastenings.

“These state assets belong to all of us, and it is important to protect them for the collective welfare. State assets should not be damaged or stolen,” said Hendrialdi, Head of BTP Padang, in a statement.

According to him, all relevant stakeholders must work together to prevent such incidents from occurring again. Asset security is a shared responsibility, not just the responsibility of one or two parties.

“Community participation or involvement from local residents in safeguarding these assets will foster a sense of ownership and collective responsibility. With direct surveillance from the community, the chances of theft or damage can be minimized,” he continued.

Currently, the theft cases are being processed by the Tanah Datar Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Satreskrim) for further handling.