Riau Police's Elite Brimob Celebrates 80th Year With Community Run

Pekanbaru, Riau - In a vibrant display of community engagement, the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) unit of the Riau Regional Police celebrated its 80th anniversary with a distinctive sports event. The "Brimob Run 8K" was held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, drawing thousands of participants to the streets of Pekanbaru. The event, which started and finished at the Riau Police Headquarters (Mapolda Riau), was more than a race; it was a creative and thematic celebration designed to strengthen bonds between the police force and the citizens it serves. With a theme of "Brimob Presisi untuk Lestari" (Precise Brimob for Sustainability), the run emphasized messages of environmental preservation and cultural appreciation.

The event's unique structure was a central attraction. Rather than a standard individual race, participants ran in teams of eight, with a cap of 80 teams total, cleverly incorporating the number 80 from the anniversary. Organizers encouraged each group to express creativity through thematic costumes, moving beyond simple athletic jerseys. The streets were filled with runners dressed as elephants, trees, and even Shaun the Sheep, alongside others in traditional Riau attire or costumes made from recycled materials, creating a colorful and lively spectacle. A team dressed as Shaun the Sheep was awarded first place for the most unique costume.

Leadership from the Riau Police were active participants in the festivities. The event was officially opened by the Riau Police Chief, Inspector General Herry Heryawan, who also joined the run alongside his team, sporting a Superman-themed jersey. In his address, Heryawan framed the run as a symbol of unity and care for nature. "We build togetherness, concern for the environment and culture, and efforts to carry out restoration, including planting trees," he stated, connecting the event to broader conservation efforts, particularly for the Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN).

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Beyond the 8-kilometer run through central Pekanbaru streets like Jalan Patimura and Hangtuah, the anniversary celebration included several side competitions. These featured contests for the most attractive and culturally nuanced outfit and a pre-event video competition with a top prize of 8 million Rupiah, further engaging the community and promoting the event online. The inclusive nature of the day was highlighted by the participation of persons with disabilities, who enthusiastically joined the run, showcasing the event's commitment to community-wide involvement.

The anniversary run served as the centerpiece of broader commemorative activities for the Brimob's 80th year. In a separate ceremony prior to the run, Police Chief Heryawan praised the corps' enduring legacy, referring to its "DNA of loyalty" rooted in the spirit of historical figures like Humala Silalahi, known as the 'Tiger from Kampar'. He emphasized that the anniversary theme, "Brimob Presisi untuk Masyarakat" (Precise Brimob for the Community), should be a practical commitment to service and direct engagement with the people.

The successful and joyous event reflects a modern approach to police-community relations in Riau. By organizing an event that prioritized creativity, environmental awareness, and inclusivity, the Brimob unit demonstrated a commitment to being a partner to the community. The sight of senior police officials running alongside civilians in creative costumes presented a relatable and approachable image of the security forces.

The Brimob Run 8K successfully transformed a police anniversary into a public festival. It provided a platform for communal expression, promoted health and environmental consciousness, and fostered a palpable sense of shared purpose between the police and residents of Riau. The event's overwhelming turnout and positive atmosphere suggest it achieved its goal of being a celebratory and unifying moment for the region.

As the celebrations conclude, the focus for the Brimob corps returns to its core duties, but with a reinforced mandate from its leadership to remain connected to the community. The legacy of the 80th anniversary, symbolized by the colorful run, will likely be one of deepened public trust and a continued emphasis on the Brimob's dual role as both protectors of security and active, caring members of society.

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