Riau Police Chief Stresses TNI-Police-Regional Government Collaboration in Forest Fire Alert Parade
The Riau Regional Police, together with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Riau Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), held a preparedness parade for tackling forest and land fires (karhutla). The parade underscored cross-agency collaboration in efforts to prevent and manage karhutla disasters in Bumi Lancang Kuning.
The parade was led by Acting Governor of Riau SF Hariyanto, accompanied by Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan, Commander of the XIX/Tuanku Tambusai Regional Military Command Major General TNI Agus Hadi Waluyo, and Riau High Prosecutor I Dewa Gede Wirajana at the Riau Police Headquarters. Also present were the Chief Executive of the Riau Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) M Edy Afrizal, the Regional Coordinator of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) for Riau Province Warjono, Head of the Riau Search and Rescue Agency Budi Cahyadi, and traditional leaders from the Riau Malay Customary Institution (LAMR).
During the preparedness parade, a number of tactical and technical firefighting equipment were displayed. Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for monitoring hotspots from the air were also exhibited.
In his briefing, SF Hariyanto stressed the importance of translating early warnings from the BMKG into concrete action on the ground, moving from early warning to early action. Given that August to September is the critical peak period of the dry season, all agencies were asked to ensure five points of joint readiness: personnel and equipment readiness; unified data and coordination; strengthened patrols and community networks; rapid response and initial action; and prioritising personnel safety and protection.
"The principle is clear, early warnings must be immediately followed by concrete action. This must become our shared working pattern," said SF Hariyanto at the Riau Police Headquarters on Monday (10/8/2026).
Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan stated that the parade was to reaffirm the collaboration between the police, the TNI, the Riau provincial government, and all elements of society in handling karhutla. He noted that such preparedness parades had been conducted since March, with a total of 63 parades held across all cities and regencies in Riau Province.
He said the parade was proof of the seriousness of the Riau Police, TNI, provincial government, and Forkopimda in facing the potential for karhutla and El Niño. The Riau Police, together with the TNI and Forkopimda, have implemented three strategic steps in disaster management efforts. The first is prevention activities through various means, such as constructing retention basins, canal blocks, preparing wells, and watchtowers.
Additionally, the Riau provincial government has issued an edict regarding karhutla as a form of firmness. Prevention efforts are also carried out door-to-door to educate the public. He added that the BMKG had predicted a disaster pattern similar to one that occurs every 20 years, with the last major event occurring in 1997.
On the occasion, the Riau Police Chief also conveyed that law enforcement officials are committed to taking action against perpetrators of environmental destruction, including karhutla. He and the High Prosecutor agreed to carry out law enforcement specifically for forest encroachers and land burners, based on human rights principles and in a measured manner.