Kuantan Singingi, Riau – A concerted ⁤effort between regional authorities and law enforcement has dramatically⁤ improved the water quality of⁢ the Kuantan River just days before the highly anticipated National Pathway Festival. Riau Governor⁢ abdul Wahid‌ publicly commended Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan on Monday, August 18, 2025, for his leadership in curbing⁣ illegal mining operations that had previously polluted the vital waterway.

Governor Wahid, alongside ​Inspector General Heryawan⁣ and Kuansing Regent Suhardiman amby, conducted a final inspection of the Kuantan River at Tepian⁣ Narosa, Kuantan Bay.⁢ “Today we review, checking ⁣the ⁣final readiness of the runway with the Kapolda, the Regent​ of Kuansing, in the​ Kuantan⁣ River.In⁢ the past, the Kuantan river was ‌murky, today it is clear,” governor Wahid stated,⁤ visibly impressed by the conversion.

Combating Illegal Mining with Operation PETI

The improvement in water quality is directly attributable to a two-week operation​ led‌ by‌ the Riau Regional Police, ‍known as ​ PETI (Penertiban Penambangan Emas Ilegal – Illegal Gold Mining Enforcement). this⁢ operation ‌specifically targeted illegal gold mining activities, commonly referred to as “crates,” which were ​identified as ⁢the⁢ primary ‍source of pollution​ in‍ the Kuantan ​River. The initiative was ‍launched in ​anticipation of the National Pathway Festival 2025, scheduled to take place from August⁣ 20-24, 2025.

Regional ‌Collaboration and Continued Enforcement

Regent Suhardiman Amby echoed Governor WahidS praise, describing Inspector General Heryawan’s work ​as⁣ “extraordinary.” He extended an‌ invitation to the public to attend the National Pathway Festival and witness ‌the revitalized Kuantan river firsthand, stating, “This is the ‍national track runway, Narosa’s edge,​ and today we‌ are here before​ the arrival of foreign guests, let’s‍ go ‍to Kuansing, the river is clear.”

Inspector‌ General Heryawan confirmed the meaningful improvement‍ in water quality, ​noting ⁤a stark contrast to conditions ⁤observed just two to three weeks prior.⁢ He⁢ also acknowledged ⁢the crucial collaboration with the Indonesian ​National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Regional Government in executing Operation PETI,⁤ which ran from July 31 to‌ August ⁣3, 2025. He assured the public that enforcement efforts would continue beyond the festival,⁣ stating, “God willing, with ‌collaborative activities from ‍the Regional Government, Regional Police, TNI, we continue to​ carry out it so that after this activity there will be⁢ no​ more ⁢crates ⁤or illegal⁤ mining,⁣ and God willing, we⁣ hope this is‌ better, Salam Kayuah.”