Bamsoet Emphasises That National Police Reform Must Be Accompanied by Strengthening Kompolnas
Bambang Soesatyo, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) and a lecturer at several universities, has emphasised that the ongoing momentum of National Police reform must be utilised to strengthen the external oversight system of the police institution. Amid rising law enforcement challenges—ranging from combating online gambling and transnational cybercrime to protecting digital data and monitoring the use of artificial intelligence in law enforcement—Indonesia requires a police oversight body that is strong, independent, and possesses high public legitimacy.
He noted that national surveys in recent years show that public trust in the National Police (Polri) has fluctuated due to various high-profile cases. Consequently, the proposal to strengthen the National Police Commission (Kompolnas) has become increasingly relevant, as the government and the Commission for the Acceleration of Police Reform are currently reviewing strategic recommendations to bolster the institution’s accountability.
These remarks were made by Bamsoat while serving as an examiner during a doctoral promotion session at the Police Science Institute (STIK) in Jakarta. He stated, “The National Police, as a law enforcement institution with significant authority, requires a strong, independent, and effective oversight system. The principle of checks and balances must run alongside the strengthening of the National Police’s institutional capacity to ensure that professionalism and public trust continue to rise.”
Bamsoet explained that the primary challenge facing Kompolnas currently lies in its limited authority, which remains merely advisory and consultative. This situation means that many recommendations produced lack sufficient leverage to ensure optimal follow-up. In a modern democracy, the public expects an oversight mechanism capable of ensuring that every report, complaint, or alleged violation is handled transparently and accountably.
“Kompolnas needs to be strengthened to achieve a more effective institutional position. This strengthening is not intended to take over the internal functions of the National Police, but rather to ensure that external oversight operates more optimally and is trusted by the community,” Bamsoet clarified.
He further explained that strengthening Kompolnas should not be perceived as a lack of trust in the National Police. On the contrary, robust oversight is a hallmark of a modern democratic state that places professionalism, accountability, and the rule of law as the primary foundations of governance. He cited experiences from countries such as Japan and the United Kingdom, which demonstrate that independent oversight bodies can strengthen the legitimacy of police institutions while improving the quality of public service.
“A strong National Police must go hand-in-hand with a strong oversight system. Both are complementary. The goal is the same: to provide professional, high-integrity law enforcement that earns the full trust of the community,” he asserted.
He added that the reform of Kompolnas must also be directed towards strengthening its legal foundation. Currently, the existence of Kompolnas is based on a Presidential Regulation, which limits its scope and authority compared to other independent bodies that possess a legal basis at the level of an Act (Law). “If Indonesia desires a more modern and effective police oversight system, then Kompolnas needs a stronger legal basis through legislation. This way, its authority, independence, and working mechanisms can be designed more comprehensively,” Bamsoet concluded.