Riau Police Pioneer Ramadan Running Race: Transforming Streets into Competition Arena
The ‘Go Sprint Go Green’ running race programme pioneered by the Riau Police Department has successfully reduced crime during Ramadan. This initiative by Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan represents a creative solution to engage young people, prevent illegal street racing, and transform streets into legitimate athletic competition venues.
The activity has been conducted by Riau Police since the first day of Ramadan 1447 H, held every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evening. Entering its third series on Thamrin Street in Pekanbaru on Saturday, 28 February 2026 evening, the event has proven to be a major draw for hundreds of participants and visitors.
This initiative redirects the negative energy of illegal street racing into healthy and structured 100-metre running competitions. The success of the Riau Police Chief’s initiative is evident from the surge in participant numbers reaching 260 people, including male, female, and children’s categories. Dirlantas Polda Riau, Brigadier Jeki Rahmat Mustika, affirmed the institution’s commitment to providing a positive public space during Ramadan evenings. The strategy has proven effective in maintaining security, safety, order, and smooth traffic conditions in the provincial capital.
“This activity is pioneered by Riau Police. Since the beginning of Ramadan we have launched this initiative to channel the energy of young people that was previously negative into positive energy,” said Brigadier Jeki on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
Similar initiatives have been rolled out across multiple districts. In Bengkalis, the district police converted a notorious illegal racing hotspot on Pertanian Street into a safe and controlled running track. Bengkalis Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Fahrian Saleh Siregar, implemented this humanitarian approach, providing youth with a venue to pursue their competitive spirit without endangering themselves or other road users.
In Indragiri Hulu District, the local police developed the initiative by combining sports with the preservation of local Malay culture. Inhu Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Eka Ariandy Putra, organised the Rengat Night Run With Tanjak, where participants ran whilst wearing traditional Malay headwear. The programme aimed not only to prevent illegal racing but also to educate young people to take pride in their regional cultural identity during the holy month.
The green policing spirit was also highlighted by Kuantan Singingi Police through a 100-metre running race at Teluk Kuantan Sports Centre. Kuansing Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Hidayat Perdana, emphasised that the police are present as community friends providing creative spaces for young people.
“This initiative aims to reduce juvenile delinquency by building harmonious and educational relationships between police and residents,” said Senior Commissioner Hidayat.
Meanwhile, Pelalawan Police strengthened the environmental aspect of their running initiative in Pangkalan Kerinci. Beyond awarding prizes to winners, police also distributed tree seedlings as a symbol of instilling green habits in young people. This initiative has been deemed successful in boosting the enthusiasm of local micro, small, and medium enterprises due to the orderly and safe atmosphere generated during events.
Dumai Police also executed the Riau Police Chief’s directive by organising the Fun Night Run Go Green, which attracted dozens of participants across age groups. Dumai Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Angga Febrian Herlambang, explained that this activity represents the police force’s commitment to health and environmental preservation. Each small step in the running race carries a significant message about shared responsibility in protecting Dumai City’s ecosystem.
Overall, the series of activities initiated by Riau Police Department and its subordinate units across the Riau region has created significant social impact. In addition to effectively eliminating illegal racing trends during Ramadan evenings, the programme has successfully united elements of sports, culture, and environment. Through this synergy, Riau Police has demonstrated that creative and humanistic approaches are far more effective in maintaining public security and order.
This positive activity has also been adopted by East Jakarta Metropolitan Police. On Saturday, 28 February evening, East Jakarta Metro Police held its first running race event.