Riau Police's 'JALUR' Vessel Arrives in Meranti, Bringing Aid to Fishermen and the Elderly

The Riau Regional Police’s Directorate of Water and Air Police (Ditpolairud) visited coastal residents of Banglas Barat Village, Tebing Tinggi District, Meranti Islands Regency. Ahead of the 81st anniversary of Indonesian Independence, the Riau Police reached out to residents of the outermost islands through a humanitarian action. This social activity is an integrated part of the Riau Police’s Ekspedisi Merah Putih movement. The outreach action was specifically driven through the flagship programme of Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan, namely JALUR (Jelajah Riau Untuk Rakyat), on Friday afternoon (14/8/2026). To reach the location, a group of Ditpolairud Riau Police personnel led by Aipda Zeki Afrijoni had to brave the waves of the Meranti waters using Patrol Boats KP IV-1002 and KP IV-1008. This voyage was undertaken to ensure that the warmth and care of the state truly reaches and is felt directly by the community in the outermost coastal line of the archipelago. Upon arrival at the Banglas Barat Village Hall, which served as the central point of the activity, the arrival of the Water and Air Police was enthusiastically welcomed by local residents. Also present to welcome the group were Banglas Barat Village Head Asnawi Nazar, along with prominent religious figure Ustadz Nahar. In this social action, Ditpolairud Riau Police did not merely conduct a formal visit. Officers brought a series of concrete aid packages designed to help meet both the short-term needs and the sustainable livelihoods of coastal residents, including 50 rice packages distributed directly to fishing families and underprivileged residents to support household food security on the coast. Red and White flags were distributed to be installed in every resident’s yard and on fishing boat fleets, to foster a spirit of nationalism while enlivening the 81st Independence Day celebrations at the country’s maritime borders. Meanwhile, in support of the Green Policing programme, Polairud Riau Police personnel also handed over tree seedlings to residents. On a separate occasion, Dirpolairud Riau Police Senior Commissioner Apri Fajar Hermanto emphasised that the JALUR Programme was created not merely as a ceremonial formality, but as a real bridge of protection and communication between the police and the community. ‘Through the JALUR Programme and Sambang Nusa, we are not only sharing basic food aid and strengthening the love for the homeland ahead of Independence Day. More than that, we want to build close ties and nurture a sense of shared care for our brothers and sisters in coastal areas,’ stressed Senior Commissioner Apri Fajar Hermanto. The series of humanitarian actions at the Banglas Barat Village Hall concluded solemnly with a communal prayer led by Ustadz Nahar. All elements present offered prayers for the safety, peace, and blessings for the Indonesian Nation and the people of the Meranti Islands.