Indonesia's Human Rights Ministry Joins Police Reform Push
Deputy Human Rights Minister Mugiyanto confirmed that Kemenham signed a memorandum of understanding with Polri, which includes establishing the joint team for human rights training.
“We have initiated a partnership with Polri to form a joint team for human rights training and cooperation,” Mugiyanto said in Jakarta.
He said the ministry is ready to support Polri’s reform to become a human rights-oriented force, backing both cultural and structural changes.
Mugiyanto noted that violent law enforcement is outdated, particularly since Indonesia ratified the anti-torture convention years ago.
“Cultural reform aims to make police work humanely, avoid violence, and protect and serve communities,” he said.
On structural reform, the ministry stressed the need to institutionalize a permanent human rights curriculum in police academies.
“If the current curriculum is limited, it must be expanded and made mandatory. Competency tests in human rights could also be required for promotions,” Mugiyanto said.
He suggested structural changes, including creating a dedicated human rights division within Polri, either separately or merged with the legal division.
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As part of the cooperation, Kemenham will review police regulations and, if necessary, produce human rights-friendly handbooks or guides for officers.
“For example, criminal investigation handbooks will guide investigations, interviews, and case documentation with a human rights perspective,” he said.
He added that the ministry plans to adopt the international Méndez Principles, which set standards for non-coercive interrogations, into the handbooks.
Mugiyanto noted past abuses, including torture during interrogations, and said such practices will no longer be allowed under the reforms.
He addressed a recent case in Tual, Maluku, where a Brimob officer allegedly abused a child to death, stressing that serious violations require both internal disciplinary and criminal legal action.
“If actions violate criminal law, they must face full legal processing transparently so the public can be informed,” Mugiyanto said.
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Translator: Fath Putra, Raka Adji