Prabowo Urged to Immediately Execute Police Reform Recommendations

The SETARA Institute has issued a strong call to President Prabowo Subianto, urging swift action on the recommendations put forth by the Police Reform Acceleration Commission (KPRP). According to SETARA, the true measure of this administration's commitment to police reform lies not just in receiving the KPRP's final report, but in its decisive execution and acceleration of the proposed agenda. This stance reflects a common sentiment among Indonesian civil society organizations that have long advocated for a more accountable and professional police force.

“

The real test is whether the government will truly move from merely receiving reports to executing and accelerating the police reform agenda.

SETARA researcher Ikhsan Yosarie stressed that President Prabowo's current position transcends merely accepting a report; he is the principal actor who will shape the political direction of police reform. Without strong political will, Yosarie warns, the reform agenda risks stagnating, becoming mere administrative paperwork rather than substantive change. This concern is particularly relevant in Indonesia, where past reform efforts have often faltered due to a lack of sustained political commitment, leading to a "noreformasi" cycle that perpetuates the status quo within the police institution.

“

The position of the president is not only as a recipient of the report but also as the main actor determining the political direction of police reform.

The institute's demands extend to specific areas crucial for police transformation. These include reinforcing the merit system for promotions, enhancing transparency and accountability in appointments to key positions like the National Police Chief (Kapolri), and strengthening external oversight mechanisms, such as the National Police Commission (Kompolnas). SETARA also highlights the need to address the controversial practice of assigning police officers to civilian roles outside the force, urging adherence to a Constitutional Court ruling that limits such deployments without external checks. The call for public and press involvement in monitoring the implementation of these recommendations underscores the belief that consistent public pressure is vital to counter the inherent resistance to change within the police apparatus.

“

Without strong political will, the reform agenda risks stagnating and becoming merely administrative discourse.