Head of the Security Maintenance Agency (Kabaharkam) of the Polri, Komjen Pol Herry Heryawan, during the inauguration of the special forestry police.

progresifjaya.co.id, CENTRAL JAVA – The Polri is acting on a directive from President Prabowo Subianto to strengthen forest protection and the management of forest and land fires. This initiative involves expanding the capacity of the Forestry Special Police, with a target of reaching 70.000 personnel.

The President’s directive to the Kapolri, Jenderal Pol Suyudi Ario Seto, is being implemented through a phased education and training program. A total of 586 personnel have now completed their training at the Community Policing Education Center (Pusdik Binmas) under the Polri Education and Training Institute (Lemdiklat Polri).

The Head of the Polri Security Maintenance Agency (Kabaharkam), Komjen Pol Herry Heryawan, announced this while presiding over the inauguration ceremony for the Forestry Special Police for the 2026 fiscal year on Friday, October 16, 2026.

“As a follow-up, we have today concluded the education and training for 586 Forestry Special Police personnel,” said Komjen Pol Herry.

According to him, this personnel reinforcement is part of an effort to enhance the state’s capacity to secure forest areas, prevent forest and land fires, and preserve Indonesia’s biodiversity.

He further emphasized, that the training provided by the Polri is designed not only to improve the technical skills of the personnel but also to shape the character, discipline, and integrity of the officers tasked with environmental protection.

Komjen Pol Herry noted, that the duty of safeguarding forests presents increasingly complex challenges. Consequently, Forestry Special Police personnel must demonstrate firmness when addressing various types of violations, including activities that cause environmental damage.

“Integrity is non-negotiable for a Forestry Special Police officer. Never compromise with those who destroy the environment, and never abuse the authority entrusted to you by the state,” he asserted.

During the training, 586 personnel received instruction in a range of police-related competencies—from early detection, community policing, traffic and crowd control, guarding, escorting, and patrolling, to the initial handling of crime scenes.

These skills are intended to strengthen the oversight of forest areas, identify potential threats to environmental security, and enhance the effectiveness of forest and land fire prevention and response.

Komjen Pol Herry also emphasized the importance of mastering technology to support forest protection duties. Special Forestry Police personnel are expected to be proficient in using drones, analyzing satellite imagery, monitoring hotspots, and utilizing forestry intelligence information systems.

“Be Special Forestry Police officers who are responsive, modern, and adaptive to the dynamics of the digital era,” he stated.

Beyond capacity building for personnel, Komjen Pol Herry stressed, that forest protection must be carried out through cross-sectoral cooperation that actively involves the community.

He urged the Special Forestry Police to strengthen coordination with the TNI, the Polri, local governments, the prosecutor’s office, indigenous communities, and community-based fire-awareness groups.

“The task of safeguarding forests and preventing forest and land fires cannot be accomplished alone,” he said.

According to him, such synergy is key to bolstering oversight and early detection in the field, particularly in areas prone to fires or at risk of ecosystem degradation.

This approach reflects the spirit of “Police Alongside the Community,” positioning collaboration between authorities and the public as a vital component in maintaining security and environmental sustainability.

He expressed his hope that all personnel who have completed the training will be able to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired upon returning to their respective posts across Indonesia.

He also extended his appreciation to the Community Policing Education Center (Pusdik Binmas) of the Polri Education and Training Institute (Lemdiklat Polri), as well as all educators and instructors, for conducting this training, which serves as a key step in strengthening the capacity of the Special Forestry Police.

“Let this achievement serve as motivation to continuously enhance your competence, uphold your integrity, and provide the best possible service to the nation and the state,” he urged. (Bembo)