Riau Police Chief Apologises Following Panipahan Clashes, Vows Comprehensive Evaluation
Riau Provincial Police Chief Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan visited Panipahan, Pasir Limau Kapas Subdistrict, Rokan Hilir Regency. The Police Chief conveyed an apology and emphasised conducting a comprehensive evaluation following the clashes involving residents over drugs.
“Personally and as Riau Police Chief, I extend my deepest apologies to the entire Panipahan community. We also express profound concern over the incident that occurred some time ago,” stated Irjen Herry at the location on Thursday (16/4/2026).
The Police Chief was accompanied by Commander of the 031/Wira Bima Military Region Brigjen Agustantius Sitepu, Riau Provincial Secretary Syahrial Abdi, and senior officials from the Riau Provincial Police Headquarters. The entourage was welcomed by Rokan Hilir Regent Bistamam, Rokan Hilir Police Chief AKBP Isa Imam Syahroni, members of the Local Coordination Forum, community leaders, customary figures, and religious leaders from Panipahan.
This activity formed part of cooling-down measures following the protest action that had taken place, as well as efforts to restore public trust and ensure that security and public order remained conducive in the coastal region.
The Police Chief and his entourage engaged with the community through a visit and open dialogue. This forum provided a space for voicing aspirations and collective reflection on the previous incident.
Irjen Herry Heryawan stated that the incident would serve as serious evaluation material for the National Police institution, particularly in meeting public expectations regarding drug handling.
“We realise that what happened stems from public dissatisfaction. This serves as an evaluation for us that there are still shortcomings in field operations,” he added.
He also emphasised that the Panipahan incident must be seen as a momentum for change, as well as a stern warning (wake-up call) for all in the fight against drugs.
“This incident is a wake-up call for us. A stark reminder that we must truly be present among the people, listen, understand, and follow up on every issue concretely,” he asserted.
Strengthening Synergy with the Community
In the dialogue, the Police Chief revealed that one root cause identified on the ground was the lack of strong communication between authorities and the community. Therefore, he requested that moving forward, more open communication mechanisms be established, including through joint forums or direct channels between community leaders and officials.
As part of corrective measures, Irjen Herry affirmed that the Riau Provincial Police had conducted a comprehensive evaluation of personnel in the Panipahan area, including official rotations and the placement of new personnel who had undergone strict screening.
“We have carried out evaluations and improvements. Personnel on duty must be truly clean and professional. This is an uncompromising commitment,” he stressed.
The series of activities proceeded safely and smoothly. On that occasion, the Police Chief also handed over outboard motor assistance to the fishermen in Panipahan.