Civil Service Police Reject Notion of Just Lounging on the Job: We Are on Alert 24 Hours

JAKARTA - Civil Service Police (Satpol PP) officers have strongly dismissed the notion held by some members of the public that they merely relax or lounge around while on duty.

This statement comes in response to numerous comments on social media claiming that Satpol PP officers are often seen idling during working hours.

Dede Wahyudi, a Satpol PP officer from Srengseng Ward in Kembangan, West Jakarta, stated that the workload in the field actually requires officers to remain on alert for 24 hours.

“If anyone says Satpol PP’s job is just lounging around, they are wrong, they are mistaken. Like us here, our work is truly 24 hours, especially in emergency situations,” said Dede when met by Kompas.com in Kembangan on Friday (24/4/2026).

Dede explained that the daily routine of Satpol PP personnel goes beyond just area surveillance and order patrols.

In fact, Dede said, precious rest time amid a packed schedule is often sacrificed when there is an emergency duty call.

“Sometimes when we are resting at midnight, even when it’s time to sleep, suddenly there is a fire, a murder, or a tree falling due to heavy rain, flooding, then we work, we go out to the area,” Dede revealed.

“We strive as hard as we can to do our job every day for the sake of public order,” he added.

Operationally, personnel schedules are divided into three shifts: morning, afternoon, and 24-hour standby duty.

However, working hours often extend when there are special security agendas such as demonstrations.

“Sometimes if there is an activity for regulation or what, securing demos, we might stay overnight at the location for guarding the demo, for public order as well,” said Ronatal.

He noted that Satpol PP working hours are inherently not rigid like the usual eight-hour workday.

“Indeed, there are often sudden tasks. When there shouldn’t be any duty, suddenly there is an order to guard here and there. If it’s said to be excessive, yes, there is a lot more (work), but we have to face it,” he explained.

Nevertheless, he admitted to not complaining and continuing to carry out the duties as a form of responsibility.

“If it’s said to be heavy, well, all jobs are certainly heavy. But because this is our mandate as Satpol PP, we must carry it out. We are dedicated,” said Ronatal.