Lively 'Water War' Festival in Riau: Preserving Tradition and Strengthening Brotherhood
The Cian Cui Festival on Jalan Merdeka in Selatpanjang Kota subdistrict, Tebing Tinggi district, Kepulauan Meranti regency, was held in lively fashion. The 'Water War' event serves as a symbol of coastal communities' efforts to preserve ancestral heritage whilst strengthening fraternal bonds.
The event was staged to coincide with the 2026 Chinese New Year celebrations on Sunday (17 February 2026). It was not only ethnic Chinese residents who took part — members of other communities also turned out in large numbers to join the Cian Cui Festival.
Residents paraded along the streets on motorised rickshaws, whilst others lined the roadsides to watch. Participants 'attacked' one another with water from buckets or using water pistols. Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan and Deputy Police Chief Brigadier General Hengki Haryadi attended and joined in the festivities.
The Riau Police Chief affirmed that the Cian Cui Festival is a tangible illustration of how tradition can unite communities in harmony aligned with nature and the spirit of mutual cooperation.
In his address, Inspector General Herry Heryawan conveyed that preserving cultural heritage cannot be separated from efforts to protect the environment. This is consistent with the geographical setting of Bokor Village, which is surrounded by mangrove ecosystems that serve as a coastal defence barrier.
"This moment reminds us that safeguarding culture must go hand in hand with protecting the environment. Both are sources of life and identity that we will bequeath to future generations," said Inspector General Herry Heryawan.
During the visit, he also championed the spirit of Green Policing, which was the key message to be conveyed. The programme emphasises the role of the police not only in conventional security maintenance but also in active protection of ecosystems for the welfare of the broader community.
Through Green Policing, the Riau Provincial Police invited all elements of society in Kepulauan Meranti to become the front line in nurturing local culture whilst protecting existing natural resources. This synergy is expected to stimulate the creative economy through the cultural tourism sector without damaging the fragile coastal ecosystem.
"Through the spirit of Green Policing, we invite all members of the public to continue nurturing culture, protecting nature, and strengthening collective welfare. This is a tangible form of our commitment: Protecting Fortune, Safeguarding Dignity," added Herry Heryawan.
Beyond celebrating tradition, the presence of Riau Provincial Police officials in Bokor Village was also used to strengthen community ties ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The familial atmosphere created throughout the festival demonstrated that the relationship between the authorities and the people is the primary foundation for maintaining a conducive security environment in this Indonesian border region.
This year's Cian Cui Festival succeeded in serving as a reminder that behind its splashes of water lies a great spirit to safeguard cultural sovereignty and the environmental sustainability of Meranti, so that they may stand firm into the future.
The event was attended by a number of senior Riau Provincial Police officials, including Head of Public Relations Senior Commissioner Zahwani Pandra Arsyad, Director of General Crimes Senior Commissioner Hasyim Risahondua, Director of Water Police Senior Commissioner Apri Fajar Hermanto, Kepulauan Meranti Regent Senior Commissioner (Ret.) H. Asmar, the Head of Bengkalis District Court, the Kepulauan Meranti District Prosecutor, the Head of the Correctional Facility, the Selatpanjang Harbour Master, and other members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum.
The event was staged to coincide with the 2026 Chinese New Year celebrations on Sunday (17 February 2026). It was not only ethnic Chinese residents who took part — members of other communities also turned out in large numbers to join the Cian Cui Festival.
Residents paraded along the streets on motorised rickshaws, whilst others lined the roadsides to watch. Participants 'attacked' one another with water from buckets or using water pistols. Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan and Deputy Police Chief Brigadier General Hengki Haryadi attended and joined in the festivities.
The Riau Police Chief affirmed that the Cian Cui Festival is a tangible illustration of how tradition can unite communities in harmony aligned with nature and the spirit of mutual cooperation.
In his address, Inspector General Herry Heryawan conveyed that preserving cultural heritage cannot be separated from efforts to protect the environment. This is consistent with the geographical setting of Bokor Village, which is surrounded by mangrove ecosystems that serve as a coastal defence barrier.
"This moment reminds us that safeguarding culture must go hand in hand with protecting the environment. Both are sources of life and identity that we will bequeath to future generations," said Inspector General Herry Heryawan.
During the visit, he also championed the spirit of Green Policing, which was the key message to be conveyed. The programme emphasises the role of the police not only in conventional security maintenance but also in active protection of ecosystems for the welfare of the broader community.
Through Green Policing, the Riau Provincial Police invited all elements of society in Kepulauan Meranti to become the front line in nurturing local culture whilst protecting existing natural resources. This synergy is expected to stimulate the creative economy through the cultural tourism sector without damaging the fragile coastal ecosystem.
"Through the spirit of Green Policing, we invite all members of the public to continue nurturing culture, protecting nature, and strengthening collective welfare. This is a tangible form of our commitment: Protecting Fortune, Safeguarding Dignity," added Herry Heryawan.
Beyond celebrating tradition, the presence of Riau Provincial Police officials in Bokor Village was also used to strengthen community ties ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The familial atmosphere created throughout the festival demonstrated that the relationship between the authorities and the people is the primary foundation for maintaining a conducive security environment in this Indonesian border region.
This year's Cian Cui Festival succeeded in serving as a reminder that behind its splashes of water lies a great spirit to safeguard cultural sovereignty and the environmental sustainability of Meranti, so that they may stand firm into the future.
The event was attended by a number of senior Riau Provincial Police officials, including Head of Public Relations Senior Commissioner Zahwani Pandra Arsyad, Director of General Crimes Senior Commissioner Hasyim Risahondua, Director of Water Police Senior Commissioner Apri Fajar Hermanto, Kepulauan Meranti Regent Senior Commissioner (Ret.) H. Asmar, the Head of Bengkalis District Court, the Kepulauan Meranti District Prosecutor, the Head of the Correctional Facility, the Selatpanjang Harbour Master, and other members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum.