Indonesian Police Seek to Develop Community Officers as 'Super Policemen' to Assist the Public

Jakarta – Komjen Pol Karyoto, Head of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) Internal Security and Public Order Division, announced that the organisation intends to strengthen the role of community officers (Bhabinkamtibmas). He envisions Bhabinkamtibmas becoming ‘super policemen’ in the future – versatile police personnel capable of assisting the public across a broad range of needs.

Karyoto presented these remarks during a meeting with the Commission III of the Indonesian Parliament in the Parliamentary Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. He began by referencing Polri’s mandate as outlined in Law No. 2 of 2002.

“Article 14 of Law No. 2 of 2002 describes the various operational duties of Polri, including maintaining public security and order, ensuring road safety, increasing community participation in security, providing protection and services to the public, and coordinating and supervising security units and community policing initiatives,” Karyoto stated.

He explained that Polri’s implementation as a people-focused police force would be achieved through several approaches. One key strategy is basic life support training – equipping police officers with the ability to provide immediate assistance to the public.

“This encompasses emergency aid, assisting accident or disaster victims, mediating community conflicts, and providing preventive guidance and counselling,” he said.

“We have already coordinated with our educational institutions and medical services to ensure every police officer receives basic life support training,” he added.

Additionally, Polri intends to strengthen community policing approaches through the expanded role of Bhabinkamtibmas within communities, bringing police closer to the public.

“We expect Bhabinkamtibmas to become ‘Super Policemen’ – officers capable of handling diverse tasks, all oriented towards serving and assisting the public,” Karyoto concluded.