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.”