Rajiv Praises Riau Police for Capturing Mangrove Forest Destroyers

According to Rajiv, this firm step demonstrates the genuine commitment of law enforcement authorities in protecting natural resources and preserving the coastal ecosystem, which has long served as an ecological fortress for the people of Riau.

“I appreciate Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan and his team for proving their seriousness in protecting the coastal ecosystem by arresting the perpetrators of mangrove forest destruction in Kepulauan Meranti Regency,” he stated in a written release on Thursday (7/5/2026).

According to this NasDem Party politician, the uncovering of this case of encroachment and illegal processing of mangroves into charcoal serves as a serious alarm that environmental crimes are still occurring and must be addressed extraordinarily.

“The mangrove ecosystem is extremely vital; therefore, mangrove destruction is not merely an ordinary legal violation but a serious threat to environmental sustainability and the lives of coastal communities,” stressed the member of Commission IV from the Jabar II electoral district.

Furthermore, Rajiv assured that the DPR RI’s Commission IV fully supports the Riau Police’s efforts to thoroughly investigate this case, including tracing potential environmental mafia networks, financiers, or the distribution of illegal production results, which are said to have been ongoing for years.

Nevertheless, he emphasised that the Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) should forge closer cooperation with the Police in conducting supervision and enforcing the law on the mangrove ecosystem.

“Enforcement of the mangrove ecosystem law should be the primary duty of the Ministry of Forestry. I urge Kemenhut not to be negligent and to tighten supervision. If there are insufficient personnel, they should collaborate with local police,” he concluded.