Red and White Expedition Reaches Sei Sembilan: Upholding Malay Dignity in Dumai

The ‘Ekspedisi Merah Putih Presisi’ (Precision Red and White Expedition) team has reached Sei Sembilan District, marking the state’s presence in one of the oldest Malay cultural areas in Dumai City. Dumai Police Chief AKBP Fatikh Dedy Setyawan stated that the expedition, which entered its 13th day on Thursday, is a follow-up to the directive of President Prabowo Subianto to ensure the state’s presence reaches the outermost, frontier, and disadvantaged (3T) regions.

“Today we, the Indonesian National Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the district government, and the community, are implementing the Merah Putih Presisi Expedition. This programme is a directive from the President and the National Police Chief to show that the state is present,” said AKBP Fatikh. He expressed hope that the programme would provide benefits and become a positive force for the community, nation, and state.

The series of activities began with a dialogue session to listen directly to the aspirations and complaints of the coastal communities. During this event, the expedition team also distributed aid, including basic food packages, agricultural tools, ketinting boat engines, and sports equipment.

Sei Sembilan District was specifically chosen as the expedition destination because it is considered the oldest Malay cultural area in Dumai. “This region is a 3T area as it borders the Malacca Strait. But beyond that, we want to show that the state has not forgotten the people who are the guardians of the nation’s cultural roots,” explained the Police Chief.

The expedition concluded with the planting of mangroves along the coast. This activity is part of the ‘Green Policing’ programme, aimed at protecting the coastline from abrasion and preserving the environment. Siti, a teacher from a local early childhood education centre, expressed her gratitude for the visit. “We are very happy because this is the first time we have been visited like this. Thank you very much for the assistance. We may not be able to repay it, but we hope God will,” she said.