PEKANBARU - The Riau Police confirmed 23 Anti-Drug Ambassadors and also declared Tangguh Anti-Drug Village.
The activity which took place at the Tribrata Hall of the Riau Police was attended directly by the Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan, accompanied by the Deputy Police Chief of Riau Brigjen Pol Hengki Haryadi, Irwasda Polda Riau Kombes Pol Prabowo Santoso, and the Main Officials of the Riau Police.
Also present were elements of Forkopimda and community leaders, including representatives of the Riau Provincial Government, Pangdam I/Bukit Barisan, Kajati Riau, Head of the Riau Provincial BNN, Riau Customs, Riau Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Chairman of LAM Riau Datuk Seri Taufik Ikram Jamil, Chairman of Granat Riau Freddy Simanjuntak, Regent of Rokan Hilir Bistamam, as well as religious and community leaders of Panipahan Village.
The activity was started with the screening of the opening video, followed by singing the Indonesian Raya song, prayer together, and screening of the video revealing the drug case by the Riau Police.
The main moment was marked by the inauguration of the Anti-Drug Ambassador by the Riau Police Chief through the installation of a sash to the ambassadors, consisting of 5 national ambassadors and 18 local ambassadors.
The representative of the national ambassador, Okan Cornelius, in his speech emphasized the importance of the role of the younger generation as the front line in fighting drug abuse.
The activity was also enlivened by cultural art performances in the form of poetry readings by Sendy Alpagari and theater from Riau Creative Hub (RCH).
In addition, the signing of the anti-narcotics village inscription was carried out by the Riau Police Chief together with the Director of Narcotics Investigation of the Riau Police and representatives of Panipahan Village, represented by the Regent of Rokan Hilir.
In his instructions, the Riau Police Chief emphasized that this activity was not just a ceremonial, but a part of concrete steps to build collective awareness in combating drugs.
"The incident in Panipahan some time ago must be interpreted as a wake-up call for all of us. This is not only the task of the National Police, but also the BNN, Customs, TNI, local government, to the community. We must not only focus on enforcement, but also encourage social change," said the Police Chief.
The Regional Police Chief revealed that from 2025 to April 2026, the Riau Regional Police had uncovered 3,287 drug cases with 4,719 suspects.
"From the disclosure, we managed to save approximately 5.3 million lives. However, we must be honest, Indonesia is no longer just a transit place, but has become a market. Therefore, strengthening at the community level is the key," he said.
The Police Chief also highlighted the social conditions in Panipahan which required serious attention. He revealed that many families were directly affected by drugs, especially the wives of fishermen who complained because their husbands were entangled in narcotics cases.
"I thank the mothers in Panipahan who dared to speak out. This shows that there are social issues that we must answer together. Don't let our generation be damaged by drugs," he said.
As a form of commitment, the Police Chief emphasized that internal evaluations had been carried out at the Panipahan Police.
"A total of 28 of our personnel were evaluated and 16 people were immediately replaced. I don't want any individuals who play with drug offenders. This is a commitment that cannot be negotiated," he said.
Apart from law enforcement measures, the Riau Police also encourage social and economic approaches through the provision of assistance to the community, as an effort to open more productive and legal alternative livelihoods.
"We have to change the economic structure of the community. When the economy moves and MSMEs grow, then the space for drugs will be narrower," he added.
The Police Chief also conveyed his hopes to the new Anti-Drug Ambassadors to be able to become agents of change in the community.
"I believe in the 23 ambassadors who were confirmed today. Be agents of change, speak out against the dangers of drugs, and build collective awareness in the community," he said.
The series of activities was closed with the screening of a video testimonial of former drug users, a casual talk with national ambassadors, and a musical performance from Riau Rhythm.
Through this activity, the Riau Police emphasized its commitment to not only prioritize law enforcement, but also build social movements involving all elements of society.
Synergy is the key to making drug eradication efforts effective and sustainable, in order to protect the younger generation and realize a clean Riau from drugs. [
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