Indonesian minister proposes civilians in non-policing roles within National Police

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has proposed that civilians be allowed to hold positions within Indonesia's National Police (Polri), drawing parallels to civilian oversight structures in developed nations. Pigai stated that many police leaders in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands are civilians.

Pigai clarified that this proposal, intended for inclusion in the revision of Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning Polri, would apply to roles not directly related to policing duties. These could include positions in finance, technological development, human resources, and general management. He emphasized that civilians would not become police chiefs solely through this revision.

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Almost all police leaders in all developed countries like America, like Britain, like France, like the Netherlands, their top leaders are civilians.

The minister believes this initiative could serve as a middle ground to address ongoing conflicts between civilian and armed forces. He argued that allowing civilians into Polri, and vice versa for the military (TNI) and police to hold civilian positions, would embody the principle of reciprocity and promote fairness.

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If the TNI-Polri can go into civilian roles, then civilians can also lead TNI-Polri units that can be occupied by civilians. That is the principle of reciprocity.

Furthermore, Pigai advocated for increased opportunities for civilians to reach high-ranking state official positions (Echelon I) through their roles in Polri, noting that currently, civilian promotions are often limited to Echelon IV. He asserted that this reform aims for substantial, not merely symbolic, improvements within Polri, driven by a desire for constructive change rather than personal interest.

The revision of the Polri Law is part of the National Legislation Program for 2026. Key proposed changes include extending the retirement age for police officers, with enlisted and non-commissioned officers potentially retiring at 58 (extendable to 60) and officers at 60 (extendable to 62 for those with special expertise).

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There are no personal interests. This is for us, the goal is to build, that is what is called substantial police reform, not just symbolic.