“The power to determine the future of Polri’s structure and authority lies with the President and the DPR. They have the right to decide whether to maintain or revise the police organizational structure,” Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra said.
He made the remarks in Jakarta on Monday in response to public debate over whether the government’s planned Police Reform Committee will push for changes to the structure and status of the Polri.
Mahendra said the government respects such discourse, viewing it as a natural consequence of the freedom of expression guaranteed in Indonesia.
While the Police Reform Committee may take these views into account, he stressed that the final decision rests with the head of state and parliament.
Citing the legal basis, Mahendra pointed out that Article 30, Paragraph (5), of the 1945 Constitution stipulates that matters related to the structure and functions of the police and military, as well as their relationship, must be determined through formal legislation process.
He added that Article 8 of Chapter II of Law No. 22 of 2002 on the National Police states that the police and its chief report directly to the President. Given this framework, Mahendra reiterated that President Prabowo — together with the DPR — holds the authority to decide the future structure, position, and status of the Polri.
The Indonesian government, under President Prabowo’s leadership, has announced plans to establish a Police Reform Committee in response to growing public calls for an overhaul of the force — demands that intensified following controversial actions during the August riots.
On September 16, Mahendra said the government was drafting a presidential decree to formally establish the committee, which will work for several months to produce reform recommendations. These recommendations will later be incorporated into revisions to the Polri Law.
The next day, the President appointed former Polri deputy chief Ahmad Dofiri as Special Presidential Advisor for Public Security and Police Reform.
The Polri has also formed an internal team to support the government’s reform agenda.
Related news: Mahfud MD outlines three key aspects of police reform
Related news: Police deputy chief urges HR reform to boost internal overhaul
Related news: Polri Reform Team seeks public input amid accountability drive
Translator: Agatha O, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
