Visiting the Riau Police Headquarters, the Minister of Environment Encourages the Replication of Green Policing Nationally

Minister of Environment and Forestry Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat/DOK Polda RIau

PEKANBARU - Minister of Environment Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat made his first working visit to the Riau Police since being appointed as minister.

This visit is a strong affirmation of the importance of cross-sectoral synergy in responding to environmental challenges in Indonesia, with Riau as one of the strategic points.

During the visit, the Minister of Environment was also accompanied by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Great Institute, Syahganda Nainggolan, as well as the Founder of the Tumbuh Institute, Rocky Gerung, who has been actively encouraging the strengthening of environmental ethics, social solidarity, and ecological awareness in the public space.

Activities at the Riau Police Headquarters were held solemnly and were full of strategic messages, ranging from traditional greetings, screening of the Green Policing and Waste to Energy programs, to a comprehensive exposure related to environmental law enforcement and institutional innovations that are currently being developed by the Riau Police.

Minister of Environment and Forestry Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat together with the Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan / DOK Polda RIau

Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan in his remarks emphasized that environmental issues in Riau could not be viewed in a partial manner, but must be seen as a security, economic, and social justice issue simultaneously.

He also emphasized that through the Green Policing approach, the Riau Police not only prioritizes law enforcement, but also builds collective awareness through changes in mindset, behavior, and organizational culture.

The series of activities was also filled with environmental-themed art performances, the screening of a video revealing the case, and technical exposure related to the implementation of Green Policing and WTE by the Riau Police.

This momentum is also linked to the Labor Day commemoration through the cutting of tumpeng together with trade union representatives.

On this occasion, Minister of Environment and Forestry Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat expressed his high appreciation for the progressive steps taken by the Riau Police.

He even assessed that the approach to Green Policing that was presented had exceeded his expectations.

"I listened to the whole exposure, and I feel there is nothing else I need to say here. The conditions for becoming a minister are quite smart, and I feel what is happening today I will adopt," said Jumhur.

He emphasized that the Green Policing concept developed by the Riau Police was an excellent model and was worth replicating nationally.

"This is very good. If Green Policing happens everywhere, in every institution, I think there is no need for the Ministry of Environment. This is amazing," he said.

Jumhur conveyed his commitment to encourage all concepts presented to be implemented in various regions in Indonesia.

"I will ensure with my friends in the ministry, how what is being done today can really happen in all regions," he said.

Minister of Environment and Forestry Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat together with the Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan / DOK Polda RIau

He also assessed that the presence of the central government through this visit was a form of respect for the people of Riau, as well as an effort to strengthen attention to environmental issues in the region.

"By presenting the Police Chief and all the ranks here, this is part of the Republic's respect for the people of Riau. We want to ensure that there are real improvements, including in environmental indices," he said.

Meanwhile, regarding the issue of mining, Jumhur highlighted the importance of distinguishing between actors in the field and the main actors in the illegal economic chain.

"The miners are not necessarily evil, because many of them are local people. Usually the evil ones are the collectors. Therefore, it is important that we encourage people's mining business permits to come out immediately, so that there is legal certainty and protection for the community," he explained.

The visit was closed with a photo session together, as well as a friendly greeting with all invited guests.

The presence of the Minister of Environment at the Riau Police confirmed the collaboration between the central government and law enforcement officers as the key to realizing sustainable and equitable environmental governance.