National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo said the phrase reflects a widespread perception that cases will only be handled seriously if they gain traction on social media, a view he warned must not be allowed to take root within the police force.
“Police officers must be able to respond quickly to every report,” Prabowo told a gathering in Jakarta.
“We must not allow the perception of ‘no viral, no justice’ to become entrenched, because justice should never depend on whether a case is trending online.”
He called on officers to see criticism as a corrective rather than a threat, urging them to use negative narratives as motivation to improve performance, professionalism and public engagement at all levels of policing.
“Every day, we have to become more sensitive, more responsive and continue to improve,” the four-star general said, stressing that timely action and clear communication are essential to restoring confidence in law enforcement institutions.
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Prabowo also issued a public apology for shortcomings in police performance, acknowledging that failures in handling reports have contributed to distrust among some communities, particularly those who feel marginalized or overlooked.
“I apologize to the public if our performance has not yet met expectations,” he said, adding that constructive criticism, public oversight and cooperation are needed to push institutional reform forward.
He reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to protecting and serving all citizens, with particular attention to vulnerable and marginalized groups who often face barriers in accessing justice.
“We will consistently uphold a humanistic and responsive approach in serving the public,” Prabowo said. “Police services must be easily accessible, fair and reliable, without people feeling they need public outrage to be heard.”
The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of law enforcement in Indonesia, where several high-profile cases have sparked online campaigns demanding accountability and faster police action.
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Translator: Nadia Putri Rahmani, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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