Riau Police Chief Visits Land and Forest Fire Site in Dumai with Rocky Gerung

Dumai, VIVA – Riau Police Chief, Inspector General of Police Herry Heryawan, personally visited the land and forest fire (karhutla) location in Dumai Timur Subdistrict, Dumai City.

This step was taken to ensure that the fire handling efforts are running at maximum capacity on the ground. During the inspection, the Police Chief was accompanied by Tumbuh Institute founder Rocky Gerung, as well as local government officials, TNI-Polri personnel, and volunteers who have been involved in the firefighting process.

More than just monitoring, the Police Chief even joined the joint team at the fire points to directly observe the field conditions and ensure that the handling efforts are effective.

Based on the latest data, there are still 11 hotspots in the Dumai area, with two points in Dumai Timur and nine points in Medang Kampai. The total area of land affected by the fire reaches approximately 87.25 hectares.

Nevertheless, the field conditions show a positive trend. The number of fire points, which previously reached dozens, has now begun to decrease significantly.

“Today I am present directly at the location in Dumai Timur Subdistrict. I am accompanied by Mr Rocky from Tumbuh Institute, who has been with us for the past few days, from Rupat, Pelalawan, to today in Dumai,” he said on Friday, 27 March 2026.

He emphasised that the reduction in the number of fire points is the result of collaborative cross-sectoral work that continues to be maintained.

“In Dumai Timur, there has been a quite significant reduction. From previously dozens of fire points, alhamdulillah now only eight points remain that we are handling. This is the result of joint efforts by all elements, including TNI, Polri, local government, BPBD, fire department, Manggala Agni, MPA, volunteers, and support from the private sector,” he said.

The Police Chief stressed that handling karhutla cannot be done partially, but requires cooperation from all parties and quick responses to field obstacles.

“We cannot work partially. Everyone must collaborate. Any obstacles in the field must be immediately bridged, whether from the equipment side, water bombing support, or other measures such as weather modification that we have already communicated,” he said.

He also reminded that future challenges remain quite heavy, especially when entering the peak of the dry season in mid-year.