Rokan Hulu Police Prevent Forest and Land Fires Through Direct Community Education and Social Assistance Distribution
The Rokan Hulu Police Resort (Rohul) is strengthening the prevention of forest and land fires (karhutla) through a direct approach to the community. Police officers are providing education while distributing social assistance to residents in Desa Koto Ruang, Rokan IV Koto Subdistrict.
The activity was led directly by Rokan Hulu Police Chief AKBP Emil Eka Putra, accompanied by Deputy Police Chief Kompol I Made Juni Artawan, Criminal Investigation Unit Chief AKP Tony Prawira, and Rokan IV Koto Police Substation Chief IPTU Dodi Ripo along with personnel from the Police Resort and local substation. Also present was the Head of Desa Koto Ruang, Alexsanto, along with village officials and enthusiastic community members who participated in the event.
During the occasion, police personnel provided direct education to residents about the dangers of karhutla, from environmental impacts and health disruptions to legal consequences for those who burn forests and land. The community was also urged to play an active role in prevention, including reporting potential fires early.
Police Chief AKBP Emil emphasised that preventing karhutla must be built on collective awareness. A persuasive and humane approach is considered an effective step in fostering community participation.
“Prevention cannot be done alone. The key lies in synergy between authorities and the community. It is better to prevent than to deal with it,” said Emil on Monday (20/4/2026).
In addition to the socialisation, the event was also filled with the distribution of social assistance in the form of staple food packages to the community as a form of care from the Indonesian National Police. This assistance is hoped to help alleviate residents’ needs while strengthening ties between the police and the community.
Emil revealed that from field monitoring results, no hot spots or fire points were found in the Rokan IV Koto Subdistrict area. This condition indicates a relatively safe and controlled situation. The Rokan Hulu Police Resort reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the area free from fire points through strengthened cross-sector collaboration.
“Synergy between the police, village government, and the community is the key factor in maintaining environmental stability and preventing karhutla,” he said.
The event took place in a safe and conducive atmosphere, serving as part of ongoing efforts to build collective community awareness about the importance of preserving the environment.