Riau Police Launch 'Ekspedisi Merah Putih' to Extend State Presence to Outermost Regions
The Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) has deployed a ‘Ekspedisi Merah Putih Presisi’ team to strengthen the state’s presence in border and isolated areas. The programme, targeting the 3T regions (Terdepan, Terluar, dan Tertinggal – Frontier, Outermost, and Underdeveloped), focuses on strengthening security, public services, and distributing social aid to residents living in remote and border areas.
Head of Public Relations of Polda Riau, Senior Commissioner Akmadi, stated that the Ekspedisi Merah Putih Presisi is not merely an activity to commemorate the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence, but a tangible manifestation of the state’s presence through the National Police in areas that have long faced geographical challenges and limited access to services.
“Ekspedisi Merah Putih Presisi is not just an activity to commemorate Independence Day. This is a manifestation of Polda Riau’s commitment to ensuring that communities on the outermost islands, coastal areas, and border regions feel the presence of the state. Independence must be felt tangibly by all Indonesian people, without exception,” said Akmadi during a press conference at the Riau Regional Police Headquarters on Thursday (30/7/2026).
He added that the programme is also part of the implementation of Green Policing, a concept championed by the Riau Police Chief, Inspector General Herry Heryawan. This concept not only emphasises security maintenance but also integrates environmental conservation, strengthening national values, and community empowerment in a single collaborative movement.
“Through Ekspedisi Merah Putih Presisi, we want to show that maintaining security goes hand in hand with protecting the environment, strengthening unity, and improving community welfare. This is the meaning of the National Police’s presence that we wish to bring to the outermost areas of Riau Province,” he added.
Ekspedisi Merah Putih Presisi was officially launched today, Thursday (30/7), and will run until the peak of Independence Day on 17 August 2026. The expedition team has been deployed to several 3T areas, including Panipahan in Rokan Hilir Regency, Rupat Island in Bengkalis Regency, Rangsang Island in the Meranti Islands Regency, and Concong Island in Indragiri Hilir Regency.
In addition to community services, through this expedition, Polda Riau will also strengthen operational support for personnel serving in the outermost areas by handing over two-wheeled vehicles that can be used to improve police services while supporting the handling of forest and land fires.
The Riau Police Chief, along with key officials, has commenced the Ekspedisi Merah Putih Presisi series by visiting Concong Island, Indragiri Hilir Regency. Furthermore, on 1 August 2026, a Readiness Ceremony for Ekspedisi Merah Putih Presisi will be held at the Riau Regional Police Headquarters to officially mark the start of the expedition.
“The peak of the activity will be held on 17 August. Key officials of Polda Riau and the District Police Chiefs will serve as ceremony inspectors in various 3T areas as a symbol that the Independence Day commemoration is celebrated together with the community, reaching the frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped regions,” added the Head of Operations of Polda Riau, Senior Commissioner Ino Haryanto.
Senior Commissioner Ino stated that the activity, which carries the theme ‘Weaving Togetherness, Guarding Sustainability’, involves all work units of Polda Riau along with the District Police ranks, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), local governments, and various elements of society.
“We designed this expedition as an integrated service movement. The activities include planting mangroves and trees as an implementation of Green Policing, distributing the Red and White Flag to strengthen nationalism, handing over 81 ketinting engine units to fishermen, social aid, free health services, and dialogues with community leaders, traditional leaders, and religious leaders,” explained Senior Commissioner Ino.