The Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) acted swiftly to calm the\nunrest that occurred in Panipahan, Pasir Limau Kapas Subdistrict, Rokan\nHilir Regency (Rohil), following a residents\u2019 demonstration regarding\ndrugs. In addition to demonstrating its commitment to eradicating drugs,\nthe apology from Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan\nsucceeded in quelling the residents\u2019 anger.<\/p>\n
The moment took place during a meeting for fostering relations and\ndialogue with residents in Panipahan, Pasir Limau Kapas Subdistrict,\nRokan Hilir Regency, on Thursday, 16 April 2026. The presence of the\nPolice Chief and his team was part of a cooling-down mechanism following\nthe residents\u2019 demonstration, as well as an effort to restore public\ntrust in the Indonesian National Police (Polri).<\/p>\n
As the person responsible for security in the region, the Riau Police\nChief, with great magnanimity and humility, delivered the apology openly\nto the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cPersonally and as Riau Police Chief, I extend my deepest apologies\nto the entire Panipahan community. We also express our profound concern\nover the incident that occurred a few days ago,\u201d stated the Riau Police\nChief, quoted on Friday (17\/4\/2026).<\/p>\n
This two-star general also shared the community\u2019s anxiety over drug\ncirculation. He expressed the same concern regarding the situation.<\/p>\n
He realised that the community\u2019s anxiety, which triggered the\nprotest, stemmed from a lack of communication between the public and the\nauthorities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis incident is to open all our eyes. The trigger was simple, but\nthe event occurred due to shortcomings in mapping and assessing\npotential social issues in the community,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
Enhance Collaboration and Communication<\/p>\n
This 1996 Police Academy graduate stated that such an event would not\nhave happened if good communication had been established between the\ncommunity and security apparatus.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is because communication was not built, and there is a gap\nbetween the community and government apparatus, which includes police,\nTNI, and local government,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
With this momentum, it is hoped that communication between the\ncommunity and authorities can be better established. \u201cTherefore, on this\noccasion, we hope that you all, let us collaborate and communicate with\nus if you know of any drug circulation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Regarding law enforcement, the Police Chief outlined Polda Riau\u2019s\nachievements in uncovering drug cases. From 2025 to April 2026, Polda\nRiau has uncovered 3,287 drug cases with 4,719 suspects.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom these uncoverings, we have managed to save approximately 5.3\nmillion lives. However, we must be honest, Indonesia is no longer just a\ntransit point but has become a market. Therefore, strengthening at the\ncommunity level is key,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Commitment to Internal Improvement<\/p>\n
In response to the situation in Panipahan, the Riau Police Chief also\nconveyed his commitment to internal improvements. As many as 28\npersonnel at the Panipahan Police Sector, from the Sector Chief,\nCriminal Investigation Unit Head, and members indicated to be colluding\nwith drugs, were removed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe apparatus at the Sector Police, including the Sector Chief, have\nbeen replaced, and all involved personnel have been replaced,\u201d said\nInspector General Herry, greeted with applause from the residents.<\/p>\n
This firm step was taken by the Riau Police Chief as a form of\ncorrection and comprehensive evaluation in responding to public security\nand order situations (kamtibmas). As a sign of seriousness in internal\nreform, all new personnel were immediately urine tested on their first\nday of duty at the Panipahan Police Sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore starting work this morning, everyone was urine tested, and\nalhamdulillah, all results were negative,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you agree? Is it okay for the police to be here?\u201d asked Inspector\nGeneral Herry Heryawan, immediately answered \u2018yes\u2019 by the residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cOr should I withdraw them all?\u201d he asked again.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t\u2026 we still need the police,\u201d replied the residents.<\/p>\n
Also present at the event were Commander of Regional Military Command\n031\/Wira Bima Brigadier General Agustatius Sitepu, Riau Provincial\nSecretary Syahrial Abdi, and senior officials from Polda Riau. The\nentourage was welcomed directly by Rokan Hilir Regent Bistamam, Rokan\nHilir Police Chief AKBP Isa Imam Syahroni, Forkopimda officials, as well\nas community leaders, customary figures, and religious leaders from\nPanipahan.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/riau-police-chiefs-apology-and-commitment-to-improvement-following-panipahan-incident-1776419455", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }