Ahead of Fasting Month, Riau Police Strengthen RAGA Team's 'Combat' Capabilities to Prevent Crime

Pekanbaru - The Riau Regional Police are strengthening security ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026 by conducting specialized training for the RAGA Team (Riau Anti-Gang and Anarchism). With enhanced “combat” capabilities, the RAGA Team is expected to be more responsive in handling various situations and potential threats to public security and order.

This second wave of training has been underway since February 9, 2026, with a training focus emphasizing field skills—70 percent practice and 30 percent theory. Personnel are equipped with various crucial materials, ranging from Criminal Code socialization, arrest techniques, use of force, emergency first aid (PPGD), to intensive close-quarters combat training.

Riau Police Internal Affairs Inspector Comr. Prabowo Santoso said the formation of the RAGA Team is a direct response by the Riau Police to the increasing potential for security threats such as thuggery, juvenile delinquency, and street crime in the Riau region.

Comr. Prabowo emphasized that the police must serve as drivers of positive social change.

“The police are not only guardians of security and order but must also be capable of driving positive social change. The RAGA Team was formed as a manifestation of the state’s presence in concretely protecting the social lives of the community,” Comr. Prabowo stated on Saturday (14/2/2026).

He also stressed the importance of balancing firmness with wisdom in law enforcement. According to him, law enforcement must be oriented toward protecting the public and preventing social damage, not mere retribution. The principle of proportionality serves as the primary foundation for every action by personnel in the field.

The 475 trained personnel are projected to become the front line in maintaining a conducive atmosphere ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, particularly in Pekanbaru City and the wider Riau Province. These preventive and responsive efforts will be maximized to provide a sense of security for residents during worship.

Meanwhile, Riau Police Training School Head Comr. Indra Duaman said the addition of 244 personnel in this second wave complements the 231 personnel trained in the first wave. A total of 475 trained personnel are now ready to be deployed.

“The operational target is for this team to move effectively in suppressing street crime rates that have been disturbing the public,” Comr. Indra said.

In addition to the RAGA Team’s preventive and responsive efforts, the public is also urged to play an active role in maintaining neighborhood security. If anyone witnesses, hears, or experiences a criminal act or public order disturbance, they can immediately contact the police emergency service through call center 110. The 110 service is accessible free of charge 24 hours a day and is integrated with the Riau Police network. Every incoming report will be promptly followed up by the nearest officers to ensure a swift and accurate response in the field.

The synergy between the RAGA Team’s readiness and active community participation through early reporting is expected to create a safe, peaceful, and controlled public security environment.