Riau Police Chief Explores River Village, Urges Residents to Preserve Culture and Nature
Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan attended the River Exploration Village Trek (Susur Sungai Jelajah Kampung) event in Bokor Village, Rangsang Barat Sub-district, Meranti Islands Regency. The two-star general’s presence was not merely to celebrate tradition but also to advance an environmental mission and strengthen the coastal community’s economy.
The event was also attended by Riau Deputy Police Chief Brigadier General Hengki Haryadi, along with a number of senior Riau Police officials including Public Relations Head Senior Commissioner Zahwani Pandra Arsyad, Criminal Investigation Director Senior Commissioner Hasyim Risahondua, Water Police Director Senior Commissioner Apri Fajar Hermanto, Meranti Islands Regent (retired) Senior Commissioner H. Asmar, the Head of Bengkalis District Court, the Meranti Islands Chief Prosecutor, the Head of the Local Correctional Facility, the Selatpanjang Harbour Master, and other members of the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda).
The River Exploration Village Trek is a cultural eco-tourism activity typically centred in Bokor Cultural Tourism Village, Rangsang Barat Sub-district. The event offers an authentic experience of exploring the river environment and the lives of local communities.
During his visit, Inspector General Herry Heryawan took part in the river exploration to observe first-hand the eco-tourism potential of the mangrove forests in the area. He expressed admiration for the biodiversity that remains well preserved in the Meranti Islands.
“We explored the river to witness the beauty of nature, the mangroves that serve as the lungs of the world. Here we can see the ecosystem directly, with various specific animal species that we must protect together,” said Inspector General Herry on Tuesday (17 February 2026).
Inspector General Herry emphasised the importance of the younger generation’s role as heirs to cultural traditions and guardians of nature on Bokor Island and across the Meranti Islands more broadly. He said that the motivation of young people must be awakened, as they are the ones who will carry forward the baton of leadership.
“I want to bring forward our young shoots. They are the ones who will one day replace the Regent and myself. They must also learn how to deliver ‘justice for nature’ so that our forests and mangroves are not destroyed,” he stressed.
On the same occasion, the Police Chief also introduced Riau Police’s flagship programme, Green Policing — a policing concept based on environmental issues.
“This is part of our commitment to Preserving Honour and Protecting Dignity. We must do good not only for people but also for nature,” he added.
Beyond the cultural and environmental dimensions, Inspector General Herry Heryawan also demonstrated his concern for the welfare of local fishermen. He announced plans to provide assistance in the form of small outboard engines (ketingting) to support fishermen’s mobility in building the economic ecosystem across 166 small islands directly facing the Strait of Malacca.
He affirmed that the presence of the Indonesian National Police among the Bokor Village community was not merely ceremonial. “This event is Riau Police’s effort to hear the community’s concerns directly and to walk hand in hand in maintaining security and boosting the economy,” he said.
In closing, the Police Chief reminded residents to make use of the 110 Call Centre service should they face any security issues. The service represents a rapid response capability of the Meranti Islands District Police in providing protection to the public.
“If there is a problem, call 110 immediately. Meranti District Police personnel will come quickly. This is our service commitment to ensuring public safety, especially ahead of the holy month of Ramadan,” the Police Chief concluded.