CSIS: A Militaristic Culture in Polri Education is the Root of Apparatus Violence
Researcher from the Department of Politics and Social Change at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Nicky Fahrizal, believes that the culture of violence that still permeates the Polri is rooted in the police force’s formal education system, which has yet to move away from militaristic principles.
Nicky asserts that Polri’s vision of becoming a civilian police force oriented towards citizens is still far from reality. According to him, the primary step that must be taken is to completely overhaul the Polri education curriculum.
“The curriculum must address the remaining militaristic and patronising elements within police education so that modern, humane, and democratic policing can occur. First, deconstruct the curriculum, then revitalise its educators,” said Nicky during a discussion in Jakarta, Wednesday (25/2/2026).
Regarding the incident of violence by a member of the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) in Tual involving Bripda MS, Nicky highlighted the perpetrator’s background as a graduate of the State Police School (SPN). He emphasised that the quality of education at SPN is crucial because it is the transitional phase from high school student to law enforcement officer.
“If we talk about the Tual case, the perpetrator is Bripda, meaning he is an SPN graduate. He was originally a high school student. So, education is a strategic issue. Without changing the mindset of the educators, this change will never be able to begin,” he added.
In addition to educational issues, Nicky also criticised the meritocracy within Polri, which he says has been in place for the last five cohorts. This condition is considered to be damaging career paths and hindering potential actors from holding strategic positions.
Nicky argues that police reform is impossible without the right quality of leadership in key positions.
“There must be good career development, so that actors who are indeed competent can hold strategic positions and bring about change. Reform without the right quality of leadership will not work,” he emphasised.
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