Jakarta (ANTARA) - The true strength of Indonesia's National Police (Polri) lies in public trust, not in authority or weapons, according to House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Puan Maharani.

“The police must be closer to the public and make social justice their primary mission,” she said at a national event celebrating the 79th anniversary of Polri, known as Bhayangkara Day, in Jakarta on Tuesday.

She expressed hope that the event’s theme, “Polri for the People,” would serve not just as a slogan, but as a guiding principle.

“The people don’t just need a sense of security; they need justice that touches their daily lives — from small village disputes to structural crimes. This is where the police must be present,” Maharani said.

She also underscored the need for police reform to strengthen participatory, dialogical, and preventive approaches at every level of service.

“When a farmer, fisherman, day laborer, or housewife feels safe reporting a complaint to the police without fear, that’s when the police have truly become protectors of the people,” she remarked.

Maharani emphasized that police success should not be measured only by the number of arrests, but also by the public’s lived experience of police presence and service. She encouraged the police to carry out their duties professionally.

She also expressed appreciation for police officers who work tirelessly to maintain public order, acknowledging the challenging nature of their responsibilities.

“Police reform must be comprehensive — covering oversight systems, transparency, professionalism, and improved welfare for personnel,” she said.

Related news: TNI, Police highlight synergy at 79th Bhayangkara Day Parade
Related news: President leads Bhayangkara Day Parade and robot showcase