Riau Police Chief Takes Firm Action Against Narcotics Abuse, with Panipahan as Focus for Improvement
The Riau Regional Police has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating narcotics abuse, which is seen as one of the root causes of security issues in the Panipahan area, Rokan Hilir Regency.
Riau Police Chief, Inspector General Herry Heryawan, stated that improvement efforts in the area target not only internal police aspects but are also directed towards strengthening the overall war on drugs.
“Drug handling cannot be done in an ordinary manner. We are taking firm steps by forming an Anti-Narcotics Task Force that operates in an integrated manner, both in terms of enforcement and internal supervision,” said the Police Chief on Tuesday (14/4/2026).
According to him, the formation of this task force is part of a zero-tolerance strategy against narcotics circulation, while also ensuring no room for deviations, either in society or within the apparatus.
As a follow-up step, the Riau Regional Police is also conducting a comprehensive evaluation of personnel performance at the Panipahan Police Sector. The evaluation involves internal supervisory functions such as Itwasda and Propam, as well as through the Wanjak process.
From the evaluation results, it was decided to carry out a major rotation of several personnel, from officer to member levels, as part of organisational restructuring and institutional strengthening. “We want to ensure that every personnel on duty has integrity and sensitivity to field issues, especially in dealing with drug threats that directly impact society,” said Herry.
He emphasised that this rotation step is part of a corrective and preventive strategy, so that police services can run more optimally and responsively to security dynamics.
In a broader context, the Riau Regional Police is also promoting a collaborative approach with various parties, including the Riau Provincial National Narcotics Agency, to strengthen prevention efforts. One concrete step being prepared is to promote Panipahan as a Drug-Free Zone (Bersinar), through strengthening community social resilience.
“This is not just about law enforcement, but how to build collective awareness in society to reject and fight drugs,” he said.
In addition, the Riau Regional Police will also involve community figures, youth, and local communities as anti-drug ambassadors to expand the reach of education and prevention campaigns. “We want this movement to be a joint movement. The war on drugs must involve all elements of society,” the Police Chief stressed.
These steps complement previous policies, where the Riau Regional Police has taken firm action against the Panipahan Police Sector ranks as a form of accountability and response to the occurring security dynamics.
With an integrated approach between enforcement, internal improvement, and community strengthening, the Riau Regional Police reaffirms its commitment to making drug eradication a top priority in maintaining security stability and order in its region.