The Public Lie of Police Reforms in Indonesia

Indonesian police reforms, championed by President Prabowo Subianto, are being labeled a "public lie" by critics who argue the process has deceived the nation and instrumentalized the police for political gain. The recent revisions to the National Police (Polri) Law, fast-tracked through the House of Representatives (DPR), allegedly disregard extensive recommendations from a dedicated reform commission.

The core of the controversy lies in provisions that raise the police retirement age and permit officers to hold civilian posts. Critics contend these changes primarily serve to extend the tenure of current police leadership, such as National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who could remain in his position beyond the standard retirement age until 2029. This extension, they argue, makes the police vulnerable to being used as a political tool, a concern amplified by the police's perceived backing of Prabowo and Gibran Rakabuming Raka in the 2024 election.

Furthermore, the new law appears to override a Constitutional Court ruling that mandated police officers resign or retire before taking civilian positions, citing potential conflicts of interest. The reform commission itself was established in response to public outcry over police brutality in August 2025, following a fatal incident during a demonstration. One of its key recommendations was to strengthen the National Police Commission as a supervisory body, a suggestion seemingly sidelined by the new legislation.

The article suggests that the hastily passed law prioritizes the interests of the police establishment over genuine reform, potentially undermining public trust and democratic oversight. The lack of transparency in the legislative process and the deviation from expert recommendations fuel accusations that the reforms are a political maneuver rather than a genuine effort to address police misconduct and ensure accountability.