Expert Warns Extension of National Police Retirement Age Could Hinder Regeneration
JAKARTA — A criminal law expert has warned that the discourse regarding the extension of the retirement age for National Police (Polri) members within the revision of Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia (RUU Polri) could hinder regeneration and organisational renewal. This condition is deemed highly likely to occur if the policy is not accompanied by a clear institutional design.
“From the perspective of institutional reform, I see that if this retirement age is extended without a design for regeneration, a merit system, and performance evaluation, it may obstruct organisational renewal,” stated Maradona during a Public Hearing (RDPU) regarding the Police Bill at Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) on Tuesday.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that the extension of the retirement age should not merely be viewed through the lens of retaining personnel who remain productive. The Government and Parliament, Maradona noted, must also consider the impact on organisational regeneration, the career progression of members, and the institution’s needs in facing modern developments.
“We must also ensure there is no blockage in regeneration and organisational careers. We are living in an era beyond millennials, such as the digital natives; the evolution of crime often necessitates following the evolution of generations that are suited to the times,” Maradona explained.
This is because many senior officers and members actually possess high capacity despite approaching retirement age. “These senior police officers, while still at productive ages, certainly possess high maturity of thought, professional networks, and strategic tactical expertise. Therefore, if the organisation loses individuals with such capacity due to age, it would certainly be detrimental to the organisation,” he said.
Consequently, Maradona believes that the regulation of the retirement age must be conducted selectively. The extension of service periods could be granted for specific fields or expertise, provided it is accompanied by clear limitations and measurable performance evaluations.
“However, if it is regulated selectively for specific expertise with certain limits and clear evaluations, it can support professionalism,” he added. For duties requiring high physical capability and direct interaction with the public, age must remain a primary consideration to maintain the quality of public services.