Response to Public Concerns: Riau Police Form Anti-Drug Task Force
Riau Provincial Police have formed an Anti-Drug Task Force as a strategic and comprehensive step to address public concerns over the rampant circulation of narcotics. This task force was specifically created in the wake of dynamics in the Panipahan area, Rokan Hilir Regency (Rohil).
The task force not only focuses on law enforcement against drug perpetrators. However, the Anti-Drug Task Force also encompasses internal supervision and a thorough evaluation of police performance in the field, to ensure that drug handling is carried out maximally and professionally.
Riau Deputy Police Chief, Brigjen Hengki Haryadi, emphasised that the formation of the Anti-Drug Task Force is a concrete response to the aspirations and anxieties of the public who desire more serious handling of drug circulation.
“We fully understand the public’s concerns about drugs. This is not just a legal issue, but it has already touched on social aspects and the future of the younger generation. Therefore, we are forming the Anti-Drug Task Force as a concrete step to ensure handling is carried out comprehensively and integrated,” said Brigjen Hengki on Tuesday (14/4/2026).
He stressed that Riau Police are strongly committed to eradicating drugs with a zero tolerance principle.
“Riau Police are very concerned about eradicating drugs. There is no room, no tolerance. This is zero tolerance. Drugs must be eradicated down to their roots,” he asserted.
According to him, this commitment is also in line with the attention and direct instructions from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and National Police Chief Jenderal Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who have placed drug eradication as a top priority.
“This is also a special focus and instruction from the President and the National Police Chief, that drugs must be eradicated seriously and comprehensively. Therefore, we ensure that all ranks move in the same direction,” he continued.
The Deputy Police Chief explained that the task force will work simultaneously, not only in terms of enforcement, but also strengthening supervision and internal improvements.
“The task force is not only about enforcement, but also conducts evaluations of internal performance, ensuring no gaps, and ensuring every step taken is truly professional and accountable,” he stressed.
The Deputy Police Chief added that the formation of the Anti-Drug Task Force demonstrates Riau Police’s commitment not only to law enforcement, but also to internal improvements and building synergy with all community elements and stakeholders.
“We want to ensure that the presence of the state is truly felt by the public. Drug handling must be carried out firmly, but also touching on prevention and coaching aspects. This is what we are building through this task force,” said Brigjen Hengki.
Riau Police’s Anti-Drug Task Force consists of elements from Internal Affairs, Professional and Security Division, and Narcotics Directorate, and is directly led by Riau Police’s Internal Affairs Chief, Kombes Prabowo Santoso.
In its implementation, the supervision function by Internal Affairs becomes an important part in ensuring all task force activities run according to accountability and transparency principles.
Every stage of enforcement will undergo continuous supervision and evaluation to close gaps for deviations and ensure the professionalism of members in the field.
Riau Police’s Internal Affairs Chief, Kombes Prabowo Santoso, stated that the presence of this task force becomes an instrument for strengthening to ensure all drug handling processes run according to applicable standards and provisions.
“We are not only focused on enforcement against perpetrators, but also conduct supervision and evaluation of members’ performance in the field. This is important to ensure that every process runs transparently, professionally, and in accordance with the rules,” said Kombes Prabowo.
He added that the task force will also map out vulnerable areas, including taking measured steps to uncover drug networks more effectively.
“We will work comprehensively, from mapping, supervision, to enforcement. All done systematically so that the results truly have an impact,” he explained.
As part of a more comprehensive approach, Riau Police will also collaborate with the Riau Provincial National Narcotics Agency (BNNP) to launch the “Drug-Free Village” or Shining Village programme in the Panipahan area.
This programme is expected to become a preventive step that directly involves the community in creating a drug-free environment.
“Through collaboration with BNNP, we will launch the Shining Village in Panipahan. This is not just a symbolic programme, but a joint movement to build collective awareness in the community to fight drugs,” said Prabowo.