Various criticisms of the Polri Bill ratification

A coalition of civil society groups is strongly opposing the third revision of Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the Indonesian National Police (Polri). Muhammad Isnur, representing the coalition, stated that the newly passed law deviates from the principles of police reform and was drafted hastily.

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The rejection is because the new Polri Law is not in line with the mandate of police reform. The drafting process was also done haphazardly.

Isnur criticized the legislative process, arguing that the special committee and the government ignored the requirement for "meaningful participation" mandated by law. He described the drafting process as opaque, noting the absence of an official draft that would allow public scrutiny. This lack of transparency, Isnur contends, closed off equitable participation channels between policymakers and the public.

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Instead of being transparent and accountable, the drafting process of the RUU [Bill] was actually conducted in secret.

The coalition also highlighted the accelerated timeline for the bill's discussion and passage. Proposed as an initiative bill on May 20, 2026, it was ratified into law by June 9, 2026. Isnur warned that such rushed legislative processes often lead to problematic laws, citing previous examples like the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Law and the Job Creation Law.

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Hasty ratification processes often lead to serious problems later on.

Further objections center on provisions allowing active Polri personnel to occupy civilian positions, which the coalition argues contradicts previous MPR decrees and Constitutional Court rulings. While National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo stated such placements require ministerial approval and a specific request from the relevant ministry, the coalition fears it opens broad avenues for police in civilian roles without clear limitations. The revision also adjusts retirement ages, setting a maximum of 59 for enlisted personnel and 60 for officers, with a proposal to extend the retirement age for four-star generals to 61 based on need, raising concerns about hindering personnel regeneration.

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The formulation of Article 28A of the RUU Polri actually opens up very wide opportunities for active Polri personnel to occupy civilian positions without clear limitations.