Inp.polri.go.id - Pekanbaru. The Riau Regional Police commenced a mangrove replanting initiative in Rokan Hilir Regency to restore coastal ecosystems damaged by illegal encroachment, following an enforcement operation that uncovered 118 hectares of destroyed coastal area and resulted in the arrest of two suspects.

Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan personally led the replanting effort on-site alongside Rokan Hilir Regent Bistamam, Riau Police Director of Special Crimes Investigation Senior Superintendent Ade Kuncoro, Head of Public Relations Senior Superintendent Akhmadi, and Rokan Hilir Sub-regional Police Chief Superintendent Aldi Alfa Faroqi.

"Today we are planting trees in damaged mangrove areas. This activity also marks an important moment in welcoming World Mangrove Day, celebrated every 26 July," Chief Herry said on Sunday (26/7/2026)."Handling environmental crimes cannot stop at identifying suspects and legal processing. Damaged areas must also be restored so that their benefits can once again be felt by the community and the ecosystem..

The criminal investigation was jointly conducted by the Riau Police Directorate of Special Crimes and the Rokan Hilir Police r, leading to the seizure of heavy machinery used for illegal clearing. 

Chief Herry said that the replanting program embodies the "Green Policing" framework advocated by the Riau Police, an approach that integrates strict law enforcement with education, social responsibility, and ecological restoration. He urged local authorities, environmental groups, and the public to maintain ongoing monitoring to prevent further encroachment in the coastal region

(mg/ax/pr/rs)