Indonesia Police: Human Rights Understanding, Not Certification, Key for Promotions

Indonesia's National Police (Polri) has clarified that human rights certification will not be a prerequisite for promotions within the force, addressing a proposal made by the Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai. Polri maintains that an officer's grasp and application of human rights principles are the substantive factors determining career advancement.

Inspektur Jenderal Johnny Eddizon Isir, Head of the Public Relations Division of Polri, stated that promotion regulations are governed by Kapolri Regulation Number 3 of 2016 concerning Promotion Administration. He emphasized that the core criteria for promotion involve an officer's understanding and implementation of human rights values.

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Substantively, the promotion of a police officer is determined by the understanding and implementation of human rights values.

Polri claims to have significantly enhanced human rights education throughout its training programs. This includes instruction at the Police Academy, the School of Inspector Police for University Graduates (SIPSS), and the National Police School (SPN). Furthermore, human rights education is integrated into advanced training at institutions such as the Police Staff College and various levels of command and leadership schools.

The curriculum reportedly covers fundamental human rights concepts, national and international human rights instruments, principles of police authority, and the protection of suspects and victims. Johnny noted that public input on the implementation and certification of human rights is considered relevant and strategic for developing the competency of Polri's human resources. Minister Pigai had previously advocated for human rights certification as a mandatory requirement for promotion for state apparatus, including the police and military.

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Human rights certification must be a prerequisite for promotion.