Chief of Police Inaugurates Red and White Precision Bridge in Riau, Strengthening Access to Education and Economy
Indonesia’s National Police (Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia) continues to deliver tangible results for communities through the inauguration of the Red and White Precision Bridge in Riau Province. This programme forms part of the implementation of President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to strengthen public access, particularly in regions previously hindered by geographical constraints.
National Police Chief Jenderal Listyo Sigit Prabowo stated that the bridge construction represents a rapid response to community needs, especially for schoolchildren who previously faced risks crossing rivers or travelling long distances to reach school. In Riau Province alone, there are 110 bridges in total, with 27 already completed and inaugurated, whilst 83 others remain under construction. Nationally, the bridge construction initiative has reached approximately 411 locations across various regions of Indonesia.
“I have also received reports from several other regions; currently there are roughly 411 bridges being constructed, and Riau Provincial Police is among those with the highest number,” the National Police Chief said.
The National Police Chief expressed hope that the bridges will deliver genuine benefits for educational access, improvement in community living standards, and economic growth by facilitating distribution and mobility. On the occasion, Siti Hediati, Chairwoman of Commission IV of the House of Representatives, also expressed appreciation for the Police’s initiative, which she deemed capable of presenting concrete solutions for communities.
She emphasised that whilst infrastructure development is not the primary responsibility of the police, this step demonstrates the Police institution’s responsiveness to real issues on the ground. “This is tangible work. Its impact is directly felt by communities, especially schoolchildren and economic activities in villages,” said Hediati, better known as Titiek Soeharto.
Beyond the inauguration ceremony, the event included interactive dialogue between the National Police Chief, the Chairwoman of Commission IV, the Minister of Forestry, and communities and students in various regions of Riau. The dialogue was conducted both in-person at the event location and online, connected with Kampar Regency, Kuantan Singingi, and Meranti Islands.
During the dialogue, residents and students directly shared their experiences before and after the bridge was built, including challenges in accessing education, transportation, and future aspirations. This interaction served as a two-way communication platform that strengthened state engagement in directly addressing community needs.
Meanwhile, Riau Regional Police Chief Irjen Herry Heryawan emphasised in his remarks that the Red and White Precision Bridge construction is part of efforts to deliver tangible benefits to communities through the Precision spirit. “This construction is a manifestation of the state’s presence to reach communities in need, whilst strengthening connectivity and social life,” he said.
He noted that the programme stems from the Precision spirit, understood not merely as a working concept but as a way of delivering tangible benefits to communities. “This construction is a mandate. A mandate to ensure the state reaches communities who truly need it. Here is where the face of Precision Police is truly present,” the Regional Police Chief stated.
The Regional Police Chief also emphasised that in Malay lands, civilisation grew from connectivity. Rivers that once served as lifelines are now bridged as symbols of progress and collectivity. The construction of 110 bridges in Riau, according to him, is not merely a figure. That figure symbolises the Police’s commitment and dedication to society, whilst representing the spirit of service.
“Just as the emergency service 110 always stands ready to answer community needs,” he concluded.
The inauguration event was attended by Forest Minister Raja Juli Antoni, Deputy Forest Minister Rohmat Marzuki, Chairwoman of Commission IV of the House of Representatives, and several senior Police Headquarters officials, including the Police Criminal Investigation Chief, Police Intelligence Affairs Head, Brimob Commander, Police Public Relations Chief, and Task Force Commander of the Precision Bridge Programme.
Also present were the Acting Governor of Riau along with the Riau Provincial Leadership Coordination Forum, the Bukit Barisan I Military Regional Commander, Kampar Regent along with the Kampar Regency Leadership Coordination Forum, and regional heads of regencies and municipalities throughout Riau Province. The event was also attended by community representatives, traditional leaders, the Chairman of the Riau Shariah Scholars Council along with his team, the Head of Riau Provincial BAZNAS, and representatives from the private sector and civil organisations that contributed to the bridge construction through Corporate Social Responsibility support and cross-sector collaboration.