Riau Police Chief's Apology and Commitment to Improvement Following Panipahan Incident

The Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) acted swiftly to calm the unrest that occurred in Panipahan, Pasir Limau Kapas Subdistrict, Rokan Hilir Regency (Rohil), following a residents’ demonstration regarding drugs. In addition to demonstrating its commitment to eradicating drugs, the apology from Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan succeeded in quelling the residents’ anger.

The moment took place during a meeting for fostering relations and dialogue with residents in Panipahan, Pasir Limau Kapas Subdistrict, Rokan Hilir Regency, on Thursday, 16 April 2026. The presence of the Police Chief and his team was part of a cooling-down mechanism following the residents’ demonstration, as well as an effort to restore public trust in the Indonesian National Police (Polri).

As the person responsible for security in the region, the Riau Police Chief, with great magnanimity and humility, delivered the apology openly to the community.

“Personally and as Riau Police Chief, I extend my deepest apologies to the entire Panipahan community. We also express our profound concern over the incident that occurred a few days ago,” stated the Riau Police Chief, quoted on Friday (17/4/2026).

This two-star general also shared the community’s anxiety over drug circulation. He expressed the same concern regarding the situation.

He realised that the community’s anxiety, which triggered the protest, stemmed from a lack of communication between the public and the authorities.

“This incident is to open all our eyes. The trigger was simple, but the event occurred due to shortcomings in mapping and assessing potential social issues in the community,” he explained.

Enhance Collaboration and Communication

This 1996 Police Academy graduate stated that such an event would not have happened if good communication had been established between the community and security apparatus.

“This is because communication was not built, and there is a gap between the community and government apparatus, which includes police, TNI, and local government,” he added.

With this momentum, it is hoped that communication between the community and authorities can be better established. “Therefore, on this occasion, we hope that you all, let us collaborate and communicate with us if you know of any drug circulation,” he said.

Regarding law enforcement, the Police Chief outlined Polda Riau’s achievements in uncovering drug cases. From 2025 to April 2026, Polda Riau has uncovered 3,287 drug cases with 4,719 suspects.

“From these uncoverings, we have managed to save approximately 5.3 million lives. However, we must be honest, Indonesia is no longer just a transit point but has become a market. Therefore, strengthening at the community level is key,” he said.

Commitment to Internal Improvement

In response to the situation in Panipahan, the Riau Police Chief also conveyed his commitment to internal improvements. As many as 28 personnel at the Panipahan Police Sector, from the Sector Chief, Criminal Investigation Unit Head, and members indicated to be colluding with drugs, were removed.

“The apparatus at the Sector Police, including the Sector Chief, have been replaced, and all involved personnel have been replaced,” said Inspector General 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 public security and order situations (kamtibmas). As a sign of seriousness in internal reform, all new personnel were immediately urine tested on their first day of duty at the Panipahan Police Sector.

“Before starting work this morning, everyone was urine tested, and alhamdulillah, all results were negative,” he said.

“Do you agree? Is it okay for the police to be here?” asked Inspector General Herry Heryawan, immediately answered ‘yes’ by the residents.

“Or should I withdraw them all?” he asked again.

“Don’t… we still need the police,” replied the residents.

Also present at the event were Commander of Regional Military Command 031/Wira Bima Brigadier General Agustatius Sitepu, Riau Provincial Secretary Syahrial Abdi, and senior officials from Polda Riau. The entourage was welcomed directly by Rokan Hilir Regent Bistamam, Rokan Hilir Police Chief AKBP Isa Imam Syahroni, Forkopimda officials, as well as community leaders, customary figures, and religious leaders from Panipahan.