Governor mobilizes officials to clean Gurindam XII, boosting public pride and tourism appeal.
The Governor of Indonesia’s Riau Islands Province, Ansar Ahmad, spearheaded a large-scale community clean-up in Tanjungpinang’s coastal Gurindam XII area on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The initiative, known as “Kamis Goro,” united government agencies to refresh one of the city’s most prominent landmarks.
Revitalizing a Coastal Landmark
Governor Ansar Ahmad personally led the “Kamis Goro” clean-up drive in the Gurindam XII area along Tepi Laut, Tanjungpinang’s waterfront. The event brought together representatives from multiple Provincial Government agencies (Organisasi Perangkat Daerah, or OPD) to clean streets, drains, gardens, and public plazas. The location, home to the Tugu Sirih monument, is a major icon of the city and the capital of Riau Islands Province.
A Call for Community Participation
During the event, Governor Ansar emphasized that keeping the area clean is not just about aesthetics but also about fostering a sense of ownership over public spaces. “Let’s actively participate in cleaning our environment,” he urged. His message targeted not only government staff but also the wider community, highlighting that cleanliness reflects civic pride.
Beyond Aesthetics: Strategic Development
The Governor noted that the initiative forms part of a broader plan to revitalize strategic areas of Tanjungpinang. Enhancing the cleanliness and beauty of Tepi Laut aims to improve visitor experiences, increase comfort for local residents, and strengthen the city’s tourism appeal.
Shared Responsibility With Local Businesses
Ansar also addressed business owners and street vendors operating along the waterfront. He stressed that maintaining cleanliness is a joint responsibility, not the sole duty of government workers. “Vendors must also contribute to the beauty and cleanliness of this area,” he said, reinforcing the importance of collective action in preserving public spaces.
Building Sustainable Habits
The Kamis Goro program is designed as an ongoing effort rather than a one-off event. By involving diverse stakeholders, from public officials to local merchants, the initiative seeks to instill long-term habits of environmental care. This regular clean-up is intended to strengthen awareness and ensure that public spaces remain clean, orderly, and inviting.
Impact on Regional Image
For a provincial capital like Tanjungpinang, visible cleanliness and well-maintained landmarks are critical for attracting domestic and regional tourists, including those from neighboring Singapore. The continued success of Kamis Goro could enhance Riau Islands’ reputation as a welcoming and well-kept destination, benefiting both residents and visitors.
Governor Ansar Ahmad’s leadership in the Kamis Goro clean-up signals a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and urban revitalization in Tanjungpinang. By merging government action with community participation, the initiative sets a standard for maintaining public spaces—an approach that can inspire similar movements across Indonesia and appeal to regional travelers seeking clean, vibrant destinations.
Sources: Batam Pos (2025) , Lintas Kepri (2025)
Keywords: Tanjungpinang, Gurindam XII, Kamis Goro, Ansar Ahmad, Public Clean-Up, Riau Islands Tourism
