Saturday, 24 October 2026
BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - A joint operation involving several law enforcement agencies in Batam, in Indonesia's Riau Islands province, resulted in 29 motorcycles being cited for non-compliant exhaust systems and 33 people being detained for checks over suspected links to drug misuse. The operation was carried out as part of an enhanced routine security operation, known locally as Kegiatan Rutin Yang Ditingkatkan (KRYD), from 11 pm local time on Friday, 16 October 2026. The agencies involved included Barelang Police, the Riau Islands Regional Police, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and the Indonesian Army Military Police.
The joint operation targeted two issues that have caused concern among residents: illegal street racing, which threatens public order and road safety, and suspected drug misuse and trafficking. Officers conducted traffic checks around Simpang Rosedale and took action against suspected drug-related activities in the Bukit Senyum area of Batam.During the traffic operation, officers inspected motorcyclists whose exhaust systems did not comply with the applicable technical regulations. Meanwhile, in Bukit Senyum, officers detained dozens of people for further checks, including interviews and urine tests, to establish whether they might be involved in narcotics misuse.
The measures form part of the authorities' efforts to respond to public complaints and strengthen safety and public order within the jurisdiction of Barelang Police. Further action in individual cases will depend on the findings of the investigations and the applicable laws and regulations.To identify traffic violations more effectively, officers conducted mobile patrols and used the mobile Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (ETLE Mobile) system. They also advised riders on the importance of using compliant exhaust systems and carrying complete vehicle documentation.
Barelang Police Traffic Unit deputy chief Victor Hutahaean led the enforcement measures against vehicles whose riders were found to have breached traffic regulations. Alongside the inspections and enforcement of the law, officers reminded road users to obey traffic rules to protect their own safety and that of others.The operation resulted in 29 motorcycles being cited for having exhaust systems that failed to meet technical requirements. After completing the checks on site, officers gathered for a final operational briefing, again led by Commissioner Afiditya Arief Wibowo, to evaluate how the operation had been conducted.
The checks were intended not only to address technical violations involving vehicles but also to prevent illegal street racing, which can endanger riders and other members of the public. Non-compliant exhaust systems can also cause considerable noise disturbance for residents, particularly when motorcycles are driven late at night.
At the same time, joint enforcement teams deployed to Bukit Senyum to investigate suspected drug misuse and trafficking. The Narcotics Directorate of the Riau Islands Regional Police briefed the officers on conditions in the target area, the allocation of teams and the procedures to be followed during the operation.
The head of the regional police's Narcotics Directorate, Police Chief Commissioner Suyono, led the briefing before the joint teams began their work in the area. Coordination between the participating agencies was essential to ensure that the operation was carried out in an organised manner and in accordance with established procedures.During the operation, officers detained 33 people for further checks over suspected links to drug-related activities. The group comprised 27 men and six women. Those concerned were subsequently interviewed and subjected to urine tests to determine whether there was evidence of drug misuse.
The results of these examinations will provide the basis for decisions on further action. The authorities are assessing the findings in each case in accordance with the law, taking the investigation results into account when determining whether additional legal proceedings are warranted.The checks involving the 33 individuals form part of the joint teams' efforts to investigate suspected drug-related activities while helping maintain a safe environment for the public. However, being detained for questioning or undergoing tests does not automatically mean that an individual has committed a criminal offence. Their legal status will depend on the findings of the investigation and the subsequent legal process.
The operation in Bukit Senyum also highlights the importance of cooperation between different agencies in tackling drug-related problems. Through coordination between the police, the National Narcotics Agency and the relevant military units, officers aim to strengthen prevention efforts and investigate reports of activities that could threaten public safety.He said that preventing illegal street racing and tackling suspected drug misuse both required coordinated action. The operation therefore combined patrols, traffic checks, inspections, public awareness initiatives and enforcement of the applicable laws.
The joint operation aims to improve public safety, protect road users, maintain order and ensure smoother traffic flow. At the same time, action against suspected drug-related activities is intended to strengthen prevention and law enforcement within the jurisdiction of Barelang Police.The presence of officers at several checkpoints also reflected the authorities' response to residents' complaints about illegal street racing, excessive noise from non-compliant exhaust systems and suspected drug-related activities. Through targeted inspections, the authorities hope to create a safer and more comfortable living environment for the community.
Barelang Police has called on residents to play an active role in maintaining safety in their neighbourhoods, obey traffic regulations and avoid drug misuse. Residents have also been urged to report crimes, illegal street racing and suspicious activities in their surroundings to the relevant authorities without delay.Anyone requiring police assistance or facing an emergency can call the police emergency number 110 to report incidents or submit complaints. Public participation is an important factor in identifying security threats at an early stage and enabling the authorities to take appropriate action.
According to the authorities, the enhanced routine security operation in Simpang Rosedale and Bukit Senyum was conducted safely, smoothly and under control. Through cooperation between the police, the National Narcotics Agency, the Indonesian Army Military Police and the public, officers hope to keep Batam safe and orderly while reducing disruption caused by illegal street racing and the dangers associated with drug misuse.The operation also underlines that urban safety cannot be achieved solely by penalising offences after they have occurred. Public education, compliance with regulations, community vigilance and the prompt reporting of suspicious activities all contribute to creating a safer environment and supporting community life. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
