Gerindra Legislator Appreciates Riau Police: The War Against Drugs Must Not Slack

Gerindra legislator Muhammad Rahul has commended the performance of Riau Provincial Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan and his team in combating the circulation of narcotics in the Panipahan area of Rokan Hilir Regency. He stressed the importance of consistency among law enforcement officials to leave no room for drug lords, while also praising the Indonesian National Police’s humane approach in educating the public down to the grassroots level.

As the Chairman of the Faction Group in the DPR’s Commission III, Rahul stated that this success is not merely an achievement in law enforcement but a vital part of efforts to save society from the increasingly alarming threat of drugs, particularly in coastal areas prone to becoming distribution routes.

“The circulation of drugs is not just an ordinary criminal issue. It is a real threat to the future of the nation’s generation. Many families are destroyed, and many young people lose their way in life due to the snare of narcotics,” Rahul said in his statement to reporters on Thursday (16/4/2026).

He assessed that coastal areas like Panipahan are often exploited as entry points for drug networks due to their open geographical factors. Therefore, the presence of the state through firm actions by officials is deemed crucial to break the distribution chain from the initial point.

Rahul affirmed that the swift and firm steps by the police align with the national commitment to strengthen law enforcement and protect the young generation, in line with the mission of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in combating drug abuse. He noted that this is a primary concern for President Prabowo Subianto in maintaining national resilience against the narcotics threat.

Rahul emphasised that the war against drugs cannot be done partially or temporarily but must be a continuous movement involving all elements of the nation, from law enforcement officials, local governments, to the public.

He also encouraged strengthening preventive measures through education for the young generation, increased surveillance in vulnerable areas, and cross-sector synergy to close gaps in drug circulation.

“Enforcement must go hand in hand with prevention. We do not only chase perpetrators, but we must also ensure that no more young generations fall into it. This is about the future of the nation,” he said.

Furthermore, Rahul appreciated the firm actions against police members proven to be involved in drug networks. According to him, such steps demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining institutional integrity.

“There must be no tolerance, including towards officials who abuse their authority. This enforcement is important to maintain public trust and ensure that law enforcement institutions remain on the side of the people,” he asserted.

Rahul hopes that the success in uncovering this case becomes a momentum to systematically and sustainably narrow the operational space for drug networks, while strengthening the national commitment to eradicate narcotics down to their roots.

“This is not just the task of officials, but part of the state’s great effort in safeguarding the future of the nation’s generation, in line with national policy directions that place the protection of the people as the top priority,” he concluded.