Indonesia parliament amends law to allow police to serve in civilian government

Indonesia's parliament has unanimously passed amendments to the national police law, permitting serving police officers to accept posts within the civilian government. This legislative change, approved on Tuesday, mirrors a similar revision to military law enacted last year, which directed more civilian roles towards soldiers. President Prabowo Subianto, since taking office in 2024, has increasingly integrated the military into civil affairs, notably for his ambitious free meals and food self-sufficiency programs, initiatives in which the police have also become involved. The new law stipulates that active police officers do not need to resign before taking positions in other state institutions or ministries, provided these roles align with police duties, such as public security, law enforcement, and public services. Officers can also fill positions outside their organization if their expertise is requested by the president or government agencies. Law minister Supratman Andi Agtas stated that a more responsive legal framework is necessary for the National Police to perform effectively. The revisions also extend the mandatory retirement age for police officers by one year. However, the move has drawn criticism. Haeril Halim from Amnesty International Indonesia views it as a sign of authoritarianism, where security forces are used to support those in power. This law also appears to contradict a Constitutional Court ruling from last year, which mandated that police officers must resign if they assume roles outside the force. Critics like Muhammad argue that placing active officers in ministries is unconstitutional and could undermine police professionalism and the civil service merit system.

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A more responsive and adaptable legal framework is urgent to ensure that National Police can perform their duties effectively.