Labour Confederations Back Keeping Police Under Presidential Authority at House Commission III Hearing

House Commission III held a public hearing with KSPSI, KSPI, and KSBSI. During the session, all three labour confederations declared their support for the National Police (Polri) remaining under presidential authority.

The hearing took place in the Commission III meeting room at the Nusantara II building, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (18 February 2026). The session was chaired directly by Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman.

The labour unions in attendance were KSPSI, KSPI, and KSBSI. KSPSI President Andi Gani Nena Wea, KSBSI President Elly Rosita Silaban, and KSPI Secretary-General Ramidi attended on behalf of the three labour confederations.

Habiburokhman initially raised the role of labour in police reform. He said that workers, as one element of society, could help oversee Polri reform to ensure it remained on the right track.

“We know that one of the most significant social movements is the labour union movement — their quality and quantity are highly significant. In terms of numbers they are very large, and their position is highly strategic. They will certainly play a major role in overseeing the acceleration of Polri reform,” he said in opening the hearing.

Habiburokhman then invited each labour federation to present its views on Polri reform and the police’s position directly under the President.

KSPSI

KSPSI President Andi Gani Nena Wea was the first of the three confederations to speak. He expressed concern over the police being cornered by various parties.

“We are troubled because Polri has been so cornered by certain elements. As a large element ourselves, Mr Habib, we do not speak in the name of the people, but the fact is we have a base of millions. Yet we have never used having millions of members to pressure anyone — we have never done that,” said Andi Gani.

Andi Gani then affirmed his support for Polri remaining directly under the President. He said the police had played a major role for the labour movement.

“Polri must remain under the President because that is the mandate of reform, which cannot be suppressed by a small group of people. I dare to state this because — who does that small group claim to represent? Because we, who have a base of millions, do not even dare to speak in the name of the people. We only dare to speak on our own behalf,” he said.

“Why do we support Polri remaining under the President? Because for the first time in the world, Polri established an employment desk — this exists in no other country. It was Police Chief Listyo Sigit who initiated this employment desk, and it successfully resolved 144 labour cases in Indonesia, with nearly 70 per cent through restorative justice,” he continued.

Andi Gani assured that the labour movement would continue to stand behind Commission III and safeguard Polri’s position under the President. “Therefore, I urge Commission III to remain steadfast and resolute. Whatever happens, the labour movement — particularly the three largest confederations and 34 national-level federations — will stand with Commission III in ensuring Polri remains under the President,” he added.

KSBSI

KSBSI President Elly Rosita Silaban also expressed the same support. She argued that Polri should not be placed under the control of a ministry.

“In our view, Polri, as an instrument of the state tasked with maintaining public security and order, must remain independent and professional, as mandated by the constitution and legislation. Polri must not be placed under the control of a ministry, so as to prevent political interference,” said Elly.

Elly argued that no one should be able to interfere with Polri other than the President. She warned there would be consequences if Polri were placed under a ministry.

“In our view, no one other than the President should be able to direct Polri to maintain security or take action on matters requiring immediate response. We believe that if placed under a ministry, Polri would first have to hold back and wait for instructions from the ministry whenever something arises,” she explained.

KSPI

KSPI expressed a similar position. KSPI Secretary-General Ramidi also declared support for Polri remaining under the President.

“Perhaps to add to what Ms Elly and Mr Andi Gani have already conveyed — once again, what we are presenting today is purely based on the real conditions within the three confederations, KSPI, KSPSI, and KSBSI. This is not a commissioned statement, nor driven by any particular circumstances. Rather, we have a significant interest in Polri remaining under the President of the Republic of Indonesia. This is based on several matters that will be formally conveyed to the leadership of House Commission III,” he said.