Riau Police Chief Overhauls Panipahan Police Station Personnel, New Chief Tested for Drugs Immediately
Riau Provincial Police Chief Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan has conducted a major overhaul of the personnel at Panipahan Police Station. Starting from the station chief to the criminal investigation unit head and several subordinates suspected of colluding with drug activities have been removed.
This was conveyed by Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan during an open dialogue with the community in Panipahan, Pasir Limau Kapas Subdistrict, Rokan Hilir Regency (Rohil), on Thursday (16/4/2026). The Police Chief stated that a total of 28 personnel from Panipahan Police Station, from the station chief, criminal investigation unit head to members, suspected of being involved in drugs, have been removed.
“Police apparatus at the station, the chief has been replaced, all personnel involved we have replaced,” said Irjen Herry, greeted with applause from the residents.
This firm step was taken by the Riau Police Chief as a form of correction and comprehensive evaluation in responding to the public security and order situation (kamtibmas). As a demonstration of seriousness in reforming the internal structure, all new personnel were immediately subjected to urine tests on their first day of duty at Panipahan Police Station.
“Before starting work this morning, everyone was tested for urine and alhamdulillah, all results were negative,” he said.
“Do you agree? Is it okay for police to be here?” asked Irjen Herry Heryawan, immediately answered ‘yes’ by the residents.
“Or should I withdraw them all?” he asked again.
“Don’t… we still need police,” the residents replied.
The Police Chief understands the community’s concerns regarding drug circulation. According to him, this occurs due to a lack of communication between the community and the apparatus and government.
Therefore, he asked the community to synergise and collaborate in efforts to combat drugs. With this open communication space, the Police Chief hopes the community will no longer engage in anarchic actions. He asked the community to entrust law enforcement to the authorised apparatus.
“So, what we must do is cooperate, work together. Now there is a new station chief, please report, if not, report through my WhatsApp number, agreed?” said the Police Chief, greeted with agreement from the residents.
Riau Police Chief Apologises
On that occasion, Irjen Herry Heryawan also conveyed an open apology for the incident that occurred in Panipahan some time ago.
“Personally and as Riau Police Chief, I convey my deepest apologies to all Panipahan residents. We also express our deep concern over the incident that occurred some time ago,” said Irjen Herry.
According to him, the incident serves as serious evaluation material for the National Police institution, particularly in responding to public expectations regarding drug handling.
“We realise that what happened is inseparable from public dissatisfaction. This becomes an evaluation for us that there are still shortcomings in the implementation of duties in the field,” he continued.
He also emphasised that the Panipahan incident must be interpreted as a momentum for change, as well as a stern warning together in efforts to eradicate drugs.
“This incident becomes a wake-up call for us all. A stern reminder so that we are truly present in the midst of the community, listening, understanding, and following up on every problem in a concrete manner,” he added.