Expert Says Police's Proactive Disaster Response Is a Constitutional Mandate
Romli Atmasasmita, a legal expert from Universitas Padjadjaran, has affirmed that the highest-alert instruction issued by National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo concerning the handling of the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption has a solid legal and constitutional foundation.
Romli explained that the instruction is not merely an ordinary administrative policy, but rather the activation of the state’s constitutional obligation to protect the public amid a disaster emergency.
“This order from the National Police Chief is fully aligned with a robust legal framework. The function of the police is not limited to law enforcement alone, but encompasses a humanitarian dimension as a constitutional obligation of the state,” Romli said in a statement on Monday (7 September 2026).
Romli outlined four layers of regulation underpinning the proactive movement of the police:
The 1945 Constitution (Article 30, Paragraph 4): Establishes the duty of the National Police to protect, safeguard, and serve the public, which includes humanitarian action during disasters.
Law No. 2 of 2002 on the National Police (Articles 13 & 14, Paragraph 1): Sets out the police’s explicit mandate to provide protection and safeguard the lives of citizens in emergency conditions.
Law No. 24 of 2007 on Disaster Management: Places the National Police as part of the core elements of disaster coordination and emergency response, alongside the TNI, BNPB, and regional governments.
National Police Chief Regulation (Perkap) No. 17 of 2009: Serves as the technical operational guide for police units regarding evacuation procedures, assistance to victims, and the restoration of security at disaster sites.
Romli added that the declaration of the highest-alert status by the National Police Chief is a standard procedure already integrated into the national disaster legal system.
“It is important for the public to understand that the National Police holds a constitutional mandate as protector of citizens, both in the legal sphere and on the ground during disasters. The synergy between the police, the TNI, and BNPB forms the foundation of a resilient disaster response for the safety of citizens,” he concluded.