Death of Bripda Natanael: Kompolnas Urges Strict Internal Oversight in Polri

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Commissioner of the National Police Commission (Kompolnas) Choirul Anam emphasised the importance of strengthening prevention mechanisms within the Indonesian National Police (Polri) following the case of the death of Bripda Natanael Simanungkalit at the Riau Islands Provincial Police (Polda Kepri). Anam stated that the incident, allegedly involving violence by a senior officer, serves as a serious reminder for the police institution to build a stronger and more sustainable oversight system. “The importance of all internal oversight efforts that are continuous and building prevention mechanisms,” said Anam to reporters on Wednesday (15/4/2026). He explained that oversight can be conducted periodically or regularly, as well as through “snapshot” methods or spot checks to prevent various forms of violations. “This prevention mechanism includes periodic oversight, whether regular or snapshots like that, to prevent various forms of violations,” he said. “It is important to promote this prevention mechanism more concretely,” he continued. However, its implementation still needs to be strengthened to run effectively. On the other hand, Kompolnas also regrets the alleged violence in the case. He emphasised that the police institution has mechanisms for guidance without the need for violence. “Whatever the reason, there are actually mechanisms. Mechanisms for reprimands and so on,” Anam stressed. Anam also appreciated the swift steps taken by Polri’s Professional and Security Division (Propam) in handling this case, including the ongoing legal process. According to him, such efforts are positive steps in ensuring transparency and accountability in case handling.