Go Sprint Go Green Running Race: Riau Police's Youth Engagement Initiative Hypnotises Community
The evening running race held by the Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) during Ramadan has reached its sixth edition. The “Go Sprint Go Green” running race has successfully curbed illegal motorcycle racing in Pekanbaru City.
The event, which began on 22 February 2026, has increasingly captured public attention. Hundreds of participants from various backgrounds participated in “Go Sprint Go Green” on Wednesday, 11 March evening.
The Go Sprint Go Green programme is an initiative of the Riau Regional Police Chief that has now been emulated by several police forces across Indonesia. The activity aims to provide a space for positive activities for young people during the holy month of Ramadan 1447 H.
Jeki Rahmat Mustika, Director of Traffic at Polda Riau, stated that the activity is part of the traffic police’s efforts to build closer ties with the community through educational, healthy, and positive activities. Ahead of the 2026 Ketupat Lancang Kuning Operation, Polda Riau invited the community to increase awareness of road safety.
“Through this momentum, we invite all members of the community to become pioneers of road safety. Ensure your vehicles are in good condition before undertaking travel during the exodus period, so that a safe exodus and happy families can be realised,” said Kombes Jeki on Thursday, 12 February 2026.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director of Traffic at Polda Riau AKBP Budi Setiyono stated that the running race was a means of channelling positive energy from young people in Riau, particularly Pekanbaru, to keep them away from negative activities such as street motorcycle racing.
“Through this simple yet spirited sport, the police force wants to channel the energy of young people in a healthier direction whilst suppressing potential negative activities such as illegal street racing,” said Budi.
On that occasion, Budi Setiyono emphasised the importance of community awareness towards order, safety, and traffic control (Kamseltibcarlantas) as well as the concept of Green Policing as an effort to build a culture of traffic discipline whilst increasing environmental care.
“Through this activity, we want to provide a positive forum for young people so their energy is channelled through sport. In this way, they can avoid negative activities such as illegal racing,” he said.
Enthusiasm from participants was evident from the number of registrations reaching 150 people. They were divided into three categories: male youth with 100 participants, female youth with 26 participants, and male children with 24 participants.
Beyond being a sporting event, the activity also brought economic benefits to the surrounding community. The presence of hundreds of participants and spectators made the small and medium-sized enterprise stalls around the venue bustling with buyers.
One trader, Yanna Putri, expressed gratitude for the event. According to her, Go Sprint Go Green not only provided entertainment for the community but also helped increase income for small business operators.
“Thank you to the Riau Regional Police Chief for this event. Besides being festive, we traders also feel the benefits because many visitors purchase our merchandise,” she said.