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

Indonesia's Parliament has passed revisions to the national police law, permitting active police officers to accept positions within the civilian government. The amendments, passed unanimously on June 9, allow serving officers to take posts in other state institutions or ministries outside the National Police without resigning, as long as the positions are related to police tasks and functions.

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

These roles include those concerning public security and order, law enforcement, protection, and services to the public. Active officers may also fill posts outside their organization based on requests from the president, ministries, or state agencies, provided their expertise is deemed necessary. Law minister Supratman Andi Agtas stated that a more responsive legal framework is urgent to ensure the National Police can perform their duties effectively.

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The government seems to replicate what they have done with Military Law.

The revisions follow a similar amendment to the military law a year prior, which allocated more civilian posts to soldiers. Since taking office in 2024, President Prabowo Subianto has expanded the military's role in civil affairs, utilizing them for ambitious programs like free meals and food self-sufficiency, with police also involved. Senior police and military officers have been appointed to his administration.

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a sign of authoritarianism where defence and security forces are used to back those in power.

However, critics raise concerns about the implications of these changes. Haeril Halim from Amnesty International Indonesia suggested the move replicates the expansion of the Military Law and is "a sign of authoritarianism where defence and security forces are used to back those in power." Muhammad Isnur from Indonesia's Legal Aid Foundation argued that placing active officers in ministries and state agencies is unconstitutional, contradicting a 2025 Constitutional Court ruling that required police officers to resign from their posts if taking positions outside the force. He also warned it could harm police professionalism and disrupt civil servant career paths and merit systems.

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This law also contradicts 2025’s Constitutional Court ruling that obliged police officers to resign if they take on positions outside the force.