Unique Method: Riau Community Police Officer Engages Residents in Tree Planting While Singing Mandarin Songs

Nanda is a Bhabinkamtibmas officer serving in Bungur Telesung Village, Rangsang Island, Meranti Islands, Riau. Having served in the border area for five years, Aipda Nanda is not only a security guardian but has integrated himself into the local community, the majority of whom are Chinese-descended fishermen.

Nanda’s ability to sing songs in Mandarin and Hokkien did not come easily. He admits to learning them autodidactically due to frequent interactions with residents on this outermost island.

“Due to service in the border area, there are many Chinese-descended residents. Initially, I heard songs at the temple, they sounded nice? I asked for the title, then I memorised them every day until I could sing them,” said Nanda when contacted by detikcom on Monday (11/5/2026).

This closeness has led to him being frequently invited to major community events, from Chinese New Year celebrations to deity birthday ceremonies at the temple. His popularity on social media as a police officer fluent in Mandarin has become a highly effective communication bridge.

This caught the attention of Riau Police Chief Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan. Nanda has been invited several times by the Police Chief to sing Mandarin songs at internal events.

Green Policing Socialisation

As a Bhabinkamtibmas, Nanda often interacts directly with the community. He is also active in providing education and socialisation regarding street crime, bullying, and the dangers of narcotics to primary schools in his area.

When Green Policing was launched, Nanda had to socialise the programme to reach the community. With this relaxed method, Nanda socialises the programme to the residents.

“Alhamdulillah, it was well-received by the community and appreciated; even some residents donated tree saplings to us for planting in schools,” he said.

To engage the younger generation, Aipda Nanda has his own unique approach. Before starting tree-planting actions at schools or beaches, he often distributes snacks to primary school children as encouragement.

“I give snacks first as a ‘stimulant’ to make them enthusiastic. The result is they really enjoy participating in planting,” he said with a laugh.

At schools, Nanda plants fruit trees such as mangoes, guavas, and others. He also frequently plants mangroves in coastal areas to prevent abrasion.

Nanda’s actions have received appreciation from Riau Police Chief Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan. Irjen Herry hopes that Nanda’s spirit in frequently socialising the Green Policing programme can be emulated by other personnel.

The Police Chief also reminded that the importance of this programme is not just about planting trees, but it is a strategic step to preserve nature and the environment for the future of the nation’s generations.

“The trees we plant today may not be felt in the near future, but in five or ten years, their benefits will be felt by our next generations. If we protect nature, then nature protects us,” messaged the Riau Police Chief.