The Role of the Civil Service Police Unit (SATPOL PP) in Combating the Circulation of Illegal Cigarettes in Blora Regency

Abstract

The circulation of illegal cigarettes in Blora Regency remains widespread; therefore, the local government, together with the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) and the Customs and Excise Office, has undertaken various countermeasures. In practice, Satpol PP encounters obstacles because it does not possess the authority to take legal action against suppliers or producers of illegal cigarettes and is limited to supervisory functions and providing warnings to sellers. This study aims to identify and analyze the legal position and authority of Satpol PP in combating the circulation of illegal cigarettes in Blora Regency, the jurisdictional boundaries between Satpol PP and customs and exclusive criminal law in addressing the circulation of illegal cigarettes in Blora Regency, as well as the obstacles encountered and their solutions. This research employs a sociological juridical approach with a descriptive-analytical research specification. The data used consists of primary and secondary data. Data collection methods include field studies and library research. The data were analyzed using qualitative analysis. The theories applied in this study are the theory of crime prevention and the theory of law enforcement. The results of the study indicate that the legal position of Satpol PP in combating the circulation of illegal cigarettes in Blora Regency is as a regional government apparatus that plays a role in supervision, public outreach, information gathering, and administrative enforcement through preventive and administrative approaches. In its implementation, Satpol PP still faces various obstacles, including limited human resources, inadequate facilities and infrastructure, budget constraints, coordination problems, the absence of standard operating procedures, and low public legal awareness. Therefore, improvements in training, operational facilities, inter-agency coordination, and public education are necessary to enhance the effectiveness of combating the circulation of illegal cigarettes.