BEYOND THE BADGE : URGENCY OF REAL POLICE REFORM IN INDONESIA

By KUSNANDAR & CO., Attorneys at Law – Jakarta, INDONESIA

Police reform in Indonesia has been a vital part of the country's democratic transition since the fall of the New Order regime in 1998. The separation of the police force from the military and the establishment of an independent institution under a new legal framework marked a significant step toward building a professional, civilian-oriented, and service-based police force. However, more than two decades later, the direction and outcome of police reform are increasingly under scrutiny. Civil society groups, academics, and human rights organizations argue that the reform movement has stalled—if not regressed—in key areas.

 

A primary concern is the persistence of violence and abuse of power within the police institution. Arbitrary arrests, excessive use of force, intimidation of civilians, and even extrajudicial killings continue to occur and damage public trust. Alarmingly, these cases are rarely resolved with transparency or accountability. Justice often only comes when incidents go viral on social media, indicating that internal oversight systems are ineffective or, worse, inactive. This reflects a fundamental weakness in institutional accountability within the Indonesian National Police (Polri).

 

Oversight mechanisms—both internal and external—have also come under criticism. The National Police Commission (Kompolnas), which was established to oversee the force, is frequently seen as lacking authority or effectiveness. Meanwhile, internal mechanisms like the Professional and Security Division (Propam) often appear to resolve cases superficially, imposing minimal administrative sanctions rather than pursuing proper legal consequences for serious misconduct.

 

Beyond legal and structural issues, there is a deeper cultural problem that undermines reform efforts. Despite training programs and some internal initiatives, many officers in the field still operate with a militaristic, repressive mindset. This is particularly evident in their responses to protests, land disputes, and encounters with marginalized communities. The human rights-based and community-oriented policing models that are promoted on paper have not been fully internalized across all levels of the organization.

 

Equally concerning are recent legislative developments. Proposed amendments to the Police Law would significantly expand Polri’s authority—raising fears of the institution becoming overly powerful, with insufficient checks and balances. Critics argue that this could create a “superbody” police force that undermines democratic principles and the rule of law, especially if these new powers are not matched with robust external oversight and public accountability.

 

Taken together, these problems show that police reform in Indonesia cannot be limited to structural and administrative changes. What is needed is a comprehensive transformation that includes institutional reforms, legal clarity, and, most importantly, a cultural shift in how the police view their role in society. The police must understand that they are not merely an extension of state power, but public servants tasked with protecting citizens and upholding justice with integrity and professionalism.

Ultimately, police reform is not solely an internal matter for the institution—it is a public concern that requires active participation from all sectors of society. Civil society groups, the media, academia, and legislators must work together to push for meaningful change. Without serious and sustained reform, Polri risks losing public trust entirely. And trust, once broken, is difficult to rebuild. It is time for police reform in Indonesia to move beyond rhetoric and become a reality that all Indonesians can feel and believe in.

K&Co - October 2, 2025