Riau Police Chief Calls on Public to Strengthen Anti-Forest Fire Movement Through Environmental Campaign

Riau Regional Police (Polda) is intensifying its campaign to prevent forest and land fires (karhutla) by promoting environmental conservation and public participation. The message was central to the 80th Bhayangkara Day celebrations held in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Sunday, 19 July 2026. Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan stated that preventing forest and land fires is not solely the responsibility of the authorities but requires the involvement of all elements of society to preserve forests and wildlife. ‘This event is part of the 80th Bhayangkara Day. Through the Riau Lawan Karhutla theme, let us work together to protect elephants, protect tigers, and protect the environment so it remains sustainable,’ Herry said. As part of the campaign, Polda Riau also promoted its Green Policing programme. Participants received dolls of Nona Seroja, a baby elephant that has become an icon for wildlife conservation in Riau, along with trembesi tree seedlings intended to support reforestation and fire prevention efforts. Herry encouraged the public to use the occasion to build environmental awareness and strengthen community spirit. ‘Today we gather to become better. Let us forget all negative thoughts and move together to build positive energy. Thank you to all the runners who attended and became part of this movement,’ he said. He also stressed the importance of maintaining nature’s balance, noting that the cool air in Pekanbaru following rain serves as a reminder of the benefits nature provides when it is protected. ‘If we protect nature, nature will protect us. Like the rain that fell last night, making the air this morning cool. That is a reminder that humans and nature must coexist,’ Herry added. The movement received support from the Riau Provincial Government. Acting Governor of Riau SF Hariyanto assessed that the ‘Riau Lawan Karhutla’ campaign serves as an important reminder for all residents to work together in preventing the annual forest and land fires that affect the region. ‘I would like to thank the Riau Police Chief and all personnel who organised the Riau Bhayangkara Run 2026. Through this activity, we convey the message that we are together fighting forest and land fires to keep Riau green,’ said SF Hariyanto.