Riau Police Chief Plants Trees and Provides Outboard Motor Engines to Fishermen on Rupat Island
Riau Police Chief Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan carried out a tangible action for environmental conservation and community economic strengthening by planting 200 trees in the coastal area of Rupat Island, Bengkalis Regency. In addition to greening the border region with geronggang trees, the two-star general also handed over outboard motor engine assistance to local fishermen to support the smooth operation of their sea voyages.
The activity was attended by Dirreskrimsus Polda Riau Kombes Ade Kuncoro, Dirbinmas Polda Riau Kombes Eko Budhi Purwono, Kapolres Bengkalis AKBP Fahrian Saleh Siregar, Danramil Rupat, Camat Rupat Utara, as well as elements of Forkopimda and local community figures. The presence of these officials demonstrates cross-sectoral synergy in supporting environmental preservation and improving the welfare of coastal communities.
On that occasion, Irjen Herry Heryawan emphasised the importance of maintaining the peat ecosystem through the planting of geronggang trees as a preventive step in averting forest and land fires (karhutla). Furthermore, the outboard motor engine assistance is expected to support community activities, particularly for fishermen, in increasing productivity and the economy.
“This activity is not merely symbolic, but a collective commitment to preserving the environment and helping the community to become more prosperous,” said the Police Chief.
On the other hand, the activity also attracted attention from various circles, including community figures and public observers such as Salsabilla, Suman Adi Nugroho, and Rocky Gerung, who assessed that collaborative steps between authorities and the community are very important in maintaining environmental sustainability and regional development.
Rocky Gerung also provided his views on the Green Policing programme championed by the Riau Police Chief. He stressed the importance of balancing law enforcement with ecological understanding.
“The Police Chief comes with a new idea, the Green Policing idea which is usually criticised by the public, observers, and politicians. Why should the police regulate matters that are scientific in nature, which are not part of the police’s main duty to prevent criminality?” said Rocky Gerung.
Rocky Gerung opined that the preventive efforts carried out by the Police Chief are correlated with criminality.
“Criminality is the result of social damage. Whenever there is social damage, there is potential for crime within it. Environmental damage is the most dangerous social damage on earth,” added Rocky Gerung.
The people of Tanjung Punak Village welcomed the activity well and appreciated the attention given by the Riau Police ranks. The activity proceeded safely, orderly, and with enthusiasm from the community who participated in the tree planting and receiving the assistance.