Chaotic Protest Leads to Sanctions! Panipahan Police Chief and Criminal Investigation Unit Head Removed

A residents’ protest in Panipahan, Pasir Limau Kapas Subdistrict, Rokan Hilir Regency, Riau, turned chaotic, resulting in serious consequences. Riau Police Chief, Inspector General of Police Herry Heryawan, immediately took firm action by dismissing the Panipahan Police Station Chief, Deputy Commissioner of Police Robiansyah, and the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Panipahan Police Station, Police First Class Brigadier Rahmat Ilyas. The dismissal was carried out as part of a comprehensive evaluation of the security and public order situation (kamtibmas) that had spiralled out of control. Inspector General Herry assessed that the police station level had not been optimal in maintaining regional conduciveness, allowing the residents’ action to develop into anarchy. “This is a form of evaluation and our responsibility. We see that there were things that did not run as they should in maintaining the kamtibmas situation in Panipahan. Therefore, we are taking firm steps,” he said on Sunday, 12 April 2026. He emphasised that every regional leader holds full responsibility for security stability in their area, including reading and responding to community social dynamics. “A leader must be present, sensitive, and able to read the situation. When that does not go well, corrective steps must be taken,” he stated. Not only carrying out the dismissal, the Riau Regional Police also moved quickly to calm the situation. From the beginning of the incident, the Rokan Hilir Police Chief along with the Deputy Regent had gone directly to the location to dialogue with community figures, religious leaders, and customary leaders. These steps were taken to soothe the situation while preventing wider conflict escalation. “We moved quickly from the start. The Police Chief along with the Deputy Regent has gone directly to the field, inviting community figures to dialogue and calm the situation. This is part of the approach we are taking so that conditions soon become conducive,” he said. Handling efforts continue to be strengthened. On the same day, Riau Regional Police personnel along with the local government returned to Panipahan to ensure the situation was truly stable. “The Deputy Riau Police Chief, the Police Internal Affairs Inspector, the Head of the Professional Standards Division along with the Regent are also heading to Panipahan today to ensure all handling steps are running optimally, conducting direct supervision in the field, and strengthening communication with the community,” he said. According to him, the presence of leaders in the field is a real form of the state’s presence in guaranteeing public security while conducting a comprehensive evaluation.