Legislator Praises Riau Police's 'Ekspedisi Merah Putih', Affirming State Presence in 3T Regions
Member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the Gerindra Party faction, Muhammad Rahul, has expressed appreciation for the Red and White Precision Expedition conducted by the Riau Regional Police, which targeted communities in frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged (3T) areas. In his view, this strategic move by the Riau Police represents the state’s presence in 3T regions.
“I commend Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan and all personnel who chose to go directly to 3T areas through the Red and White Precision Expedition. This sends a very strong message that the state is present not only in city centres, but also among communities living on the outermost islands and in border areas,” said Rahul in a statement to journalists on Sunday (9/8/2026).
He said the presence of state apparatus in these areas not only guarantees security, but also strengthens the sense of nationhood while ensuring that communities in the outermost regions receive attention and services. The step taken by the Riau Police, he said, shows a police force that is not only present when legal problems arise.
He added that the National Police holds a strategic position to build closeness with the community and strengthen citizens’ optimism towards the state. In his view, this expedition is not merely ceremonial, but also realises the role of the National Police as protector and guardian of the community.
“What is interesting is that this expedition does not stop at ceremony. There are health services, environmental awareness, assistance for communities, strengthening of the coastal economy, and direct listening to residents’ aspirations. A model like this provides an impact that can be felt by the community,” he continued.
He also appreciated the Green Policing approach that formed part of the expedition journey. Planting mangroves together with the community was deemed relevant to Riau’s geographical character, which has extensive coastal areas while also facing various environmental challenges.
Rahul said that safeguarding the outermost regions cannot be achieved through a security approach alone. Sovereignty must also be strengthened by delivering services, building prosperity, protecting the environment, and fostering a sense of belonging to Indonesia.
“In border areas, the presence of the state carries enormous meaning. When communities see the Red and White flag flying, receive services, meet directly with officials and have their aspirations heard, that is where the sense of nationhood grows stronger,” he said.
The momentum of the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia makes the Red and White Precision Expedition carry an increasingly relevant message of nationhood. Independence, he said, must be interpreted by ensuring that development, services and state attention reach all communities without exception.
“Indonesia is not only Jakarta or the big cities. Indonesia is also the communities living on the coasts, the outermost islands and the nation’s front porch. Therefore, I hope activities like the Red and White Precision Expedition can continue to be developed. Safeguarding Indonesia must indeed begin from our frontier regions,” he continued.
The Red and White Precision Expedition was held by the Riau Regional Police in the context of welcoming the 81st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The expedition was carried out by regional and resort police personnel from 1 to 17 August 2026.
The programme is an implementation of the spirit of bringing the state to the outermost points of Indonesia by combining police services, strengthening of nationalism, humanitarian activities, community empowerment, and environmental conservation through Green Policing.
On each journey, police personnel not only carried the Red and White flag, but also conducted health services, distributed social assistance and school supplies, provided supporting facilities for coastal communities, planted mangroves and trees, and engaged in direct dialogue with local figures and residents.