Rokan Hulu Police Enhance Patrols to Anticipate Potential Forest and Land Fires

The Rokan Hulu Police (Rohul) are increasing vigilance in anticipation of the long dry season. Patrol activities have been intensified to prevent potential forest and land fires (karhutla).

Rokan Hulu Police Chief AKBP Emil Eka Putra stated that his team will continue monitoring vulnerable hotspots. In addition, the police are continuously tracking hotspots in real time via the Dashboard Lancang Kuning (DLK) application.

“Results from patrols at several vulnerable points show safe conditions, with no hotspots or fire spots detected. This is a positive indicator of the increasing public awareness in protecting the environment,” explained AKBP Emil in his statement on Thursday (2/4/2026).

Furthermore, the Police Chief urged all community elements to continue synergising to keep the area free from karhutla, in line with the Green Policing spirit initiated by Riau Police Chief Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan.

“It is better to prevent than to deal with,” he said.

During the visit, the Police Chief also distributed free rice to the community. This activity was carried out to assist those in need.

“In addition to karhutla patrols, we are also distributing free rice to the community. This is a form of care as well as an effort to provide economic strength, so that people do not clear land by burning,” he added.

According to him, economic factors often trigger people to clear land using burning methods because it is considered cheaper and more practical. Therefore, the Indonesian National Police is present to provide solutions by helping with basic needs of residents.

During the event, personnel also provided direct education to the community about the dangers and impacts of karhutla, both on health, the environment, and potential legal sanctions.