Environment Minister Pushes for National Replication of Green Policing

Pekanbaru, VIVA - Environment Minister Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat emphasised the importance of cross-sectoral synergy in addressing environmental challenges in Indonesia, with Riau as one of the strategic regions.

His first working visit to Riau Provincial Police since his appointment included a series of agendas, from traditional welcomes and screenings of the Green Policing and Waste to Energy (WTE) programmes to presentations on environmental law enforcement and institutional innovations developed by the local police force.

On that occasion, Jumhur expressed high appreciation for the progressive steps taken by Riau Provincial Police. He even assessed that the Green Policing concept presented had exceeded his expectations.

“I listened to the entire presentation, and I feel there is nothing left for me to speechify about here. What is happening today, I will adopt,” he said on Monday, 4 May 2026.

He affirmed that the Green Policing concept is worthy of national replication because it is deemed capable of integrating law enforcement approaches with ecological awareness.

“This is very good. If Green Policing happens everywhere, in every institution, I think the Ministry of Environment is no longer needed. This is extraordinary,” he said.

Furthermore, Jumhur committed to promoting the implementation of the concept in various regions through cross-ministerial and institutional coordination.

“I will ensure together with the ministry’s apparatus how what is being done today can truly happen in all regions,” he said.

In addition, he highlighted mining issues, particularly the importance of distinguishing between local miners and the main actors in the illegal economic chain. According to him, a fair and solution-oriented approach is needed to ensure that communities remain protected.

“Miners are not necessarily bad, because many of them are local communities. The ones who usually cause problems are the collectors. Therefore, it is important that we push for the issuance of community mining business permits as soon as possible, so that there is legal certainty and protection,” he said.

Meanwhile, Riau Police Chief, Inspector General of Police Herry Heryawan, emphasised that environmental issues in Riau cannot be viewed partially. He stated that environmental issues are closely linked to aspects of security, economy, and social justice.