Jimly: Presidential Directive, What Needs Reform Is Not Just the Police

President has also directed that what we need to reform is not just the police, especially since we have already been reforming for 25-27 years,” said Jimly during a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday (5/5/2026). He stated that other law enforcement institutions, including the judiciary, also require evaluation. This former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK) said that reform should start with the police. “In particular, law enforcement institutions also require evaluation. Even the judicial power needs reform, not just salary increases, but a comprehensive and integrated approach, though we start with the police first,” he said. Jimly also mentioned that the National Police Reform Acceleration Commission has submitted its final report to President Prabowo. He noted that Prabowo has decided that the method of appointing the National Police Chief will proceed as it currently stands, namely appointed by the President. “We also reported that there was a difference of opinion regarding the method of appointing the National Police Chief; some of us opined that the appointment of the National Police Chief does not need confirmation or approval from the DPR, while some opined it should remain as it is now. After discussing the pros and cons, the President directed that it should stay as it is now,” Jimly stated. He mentioned that the name of the prospective National Police Chief will be submitted by the President to the DPR for assessment and approval. Jimly said that so far, the DPR has always approved the President’s candidates for National Police Chief. “So the National Police Chief remains appointed by the President with the approval of the DPR, as per the current practice. This applies to both the National Police and the TNI Commander in accordance with the law; it is not a fit and proper test in the DPR. But whether approved or not, it means the DPR’s right to concern,” he said.