Riau Police Demonstrate Inclusivity as Disabled Community Joins Bhayangkara Run 2026

The Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) has demonstrated that the Riau Bhayangkara Run 2026 belongs to all levels of society without exception. The presence of the disabled community enlivening the largest running event in Sumatra is tangible proof of inclusivity within Polda Riau. Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan stated that the participation of the disabled community in the Riau Bhayangkara Run 2026 is a real manifestation of inclusivity, affirming that all citizens are entitled to equality. However, due to limited preparation time and the need for standardised special routes or facilities that are safe for runners with disabilities, a special category could not be fully inaugurated for RBR 2026. Nevertheless, Polda Riau has prepared a plan. “For our disabled friends who have registered, please come and run together with us on the general route. Later, there will be mutual supervision from the committee and other participants because they are a priority. God willing, special facilities and routes for the disabled will be thoroughly prepared for next year,” explained Inspector General Herry Heryawan on Sunday (21/6/2026). In the Road to Riau Bhayangkara Run 2026 agenda, the Riau Police Chief emphasised that every step in this event carries a major mission: uniting the commitment of all elements of society to collaborate against forest and land fires (Karhutla) and to preserve Riau’s endemic wildlife. The year 2026 is predicted to pose significant challenges for the environmental sector. According to data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Riau is entering an extreme 30-year weather cycle, a phenomenon that last hit Indonesia in 1997. Addressing this real threat, the Riau Police Chief invited the public to change their mindset in preserving nature through a positive campaign at the Riau Bhayangkara Run. “By running, we want to echo the message that protecting nature and the environment is our shared responsibility. We unite our steps and close ranks to instil collaborative efforts. This is a step to change the mindset of the entire Riau Province community to always protect nature, preserve the ecosystem, including protecting our wild animals such as elephants and Sumatran tigers,” explained Herry Heryawan. On this occasion, the Police Chief called on all elements of society to collaborate against forest and land fires by making the sports event a platform for education, so that all levels of society, the private sector, and government agencies are ready to move together in prevention and early response if hotspots appear. The activity also serves as education for wildlife conservation in Riau, as the Police Chief also campaigned for the protection of habitats for elephants, tigers, and other fauna in Riau to prevent them from the impacts of forest destruction due to fires or poaching. The Riau Bhayangkara Run 2026 is being held to commemorate the 80th Bhayangkara Day. The event is scheduled to take place on 19 July 2026, with the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo directly conducting the flag off.