Labour Confederations Voice Support for Police Remaining Under Presidential Authority at House Commission III Hearing
House Commission III held a public hearing with the three major labour confederations — KSPSI, KSPI, and KSBSI — during which all three declared their support for the National Police (Polri) remaining under the direct authority of the President.
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 by Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman.
The labour unions in attendance were represented by KSPSI President Andi Gani Nena Wea, KSBSI President Elly Rosita Silaban, and KSPI Secretary-General Ramidi.
Habiburokhman opened proceedings by highlighting the role of labour in police reform, noting that workers, as a significant element of civil society, could help ensure police reform stays on the right track.
"We know that one of the most significant social movements is the trade unions. In terms of both quality and quantity, they are highly significant — large in number and strategically positioned. They will certainly play a major role in overseeing the acceleration of police reform," he said.
Habiburokhman then invited each confederation to present its views on police reform and the question of Polri's position under the President.
**KSPSI**
KSPSI President Andi Gani Nena Wea spoke first among the three confederations. He expressed concern about what he described as Polri being cornered by various parties.
"We are troubled because Polri is being cornered by certain elements. As a large movement, we do not claim to speak on behalf of the people, but in fact we have a base of millions. Yet despite having millions of members, we have never used that to pressure anyone," Andi Gani said.
He then affirmed his support for Polri remaining directly under the President, describing it as a mandate of the reform era that cannot be overridden by a small group of people.
"Why do we support Polri remaining under the President? Because for the first time in the world, Polri established an employment desk — this exists nowhere else. It was Police Chief Listyo Sigit who initiated the 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 stand behind Commission III in safeguarding Polri's position under the President. "I urge Commission III to remain steadfast. 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 echoed the same position, arguing that Polri should not be placed under ministerial control.
"In our view, Polri, as a state instrument 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 intervention," Elly said.
She maintained that no party other than the President should have the authority to direct the police, warning of the consequences should Polri fall under a ministry.
"We believe that no one should intervene apart from the President in ordering Polri to maintain security or to act on matters requiring urgent action. If Polri were placed under a ministry, it would mean that whenever something arises, the police would first have to wait for instructions from the ministry," she explained.
**KSPI**
KSPI Secretary-General Ramidi conveyed a similar stance, affirming the confederation's support for Polri remaining under presidential authority.
"What we are conveying today is purely a reflection of the real conditions across our three confederations — KSPI, KSPSI, and KSBSI. This is not a commissioned position, nor driven by any particular circumstances. We have a major interest in ensuring Polri remains under the President of the Republic of Indonesia, based on several considerations that will be formally presented to the leadership of House Commission III," he said.
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 by Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman.
The labour unions in attendance were represented by KSPSI President Andi Gani Nena Wea, KSBSI President Elly Rosita Silaban, and KSPI Secretary-General Ramidi.
Habiburokhman opened proceedings by highlighting the role of labour in police reform, noting that workers, as a significant element of civil society, could help ensure police reform stays on the right track.
"We know that one of the most significant social movements is the trade unions. In terms of both quality and quantity, they are highly significant — large in number and strategically positioned. They will certainly play a major role in overseeing the acceleration of police reform," he said.
Habiburokhman then invited each confederation to present its views on police reform and the question of Polri's position under the President.
**KSPSI**
KSPSI President Andi Gani Nena Wea spoke first among the three confederations. He expressed concern about what he described as Polri being cornered by various parties.
"We are troubled because Polri is being cornered by certain elements. As a large movement, we do not claim to speak on behalf of the people, but in fact we have a base of millions. Yet despite having millions of members, we have never used that to pressure anyone," Andi Gani said.
He then affirmed his support for Polri remaining directly under the President, describing it as a mandate of the reform era that cannot be overridden by a small group of people.
"Why do we support Polri remaining under the President? Because for the first time in the world, Polri established an employment desk — this exists nowhere else. It was Police Chief Listyo Sigit who initiated the 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 stand behind Commission III in safeguarding Polri's position under the President. "I urge Commission III to remain steadfast. 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 echoed the same position, arguing that Polri should not be placed under ministerial control.
"In our view, Polri, as a state instrument 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 intervention," Elly said.
She maintained that no party other than the President should have the authority to direct the police, warning of the consequences should Polri fall under a ministry.
"We believe that no one should intervene apart from the President in ordering Polri to maintain security or to act on matters requiring urgent action. If Polri were placed under a ministry, it would mean that whenever something arises, the police would first have to wait for instructions from the ministry," she explained.
**KSPI**
KSPI Secretary-General Ramidi conveyed a similar stance, affirming the confederation's support for Polri remaining under presidential authority.
"What we are conveying today is purely a reflection of the real conditions across our three confederations — KSPI, KSPSI, and KSBSI. This is not a commissioned position, nor driven by any particular circumstances. We have a major interest in ensuring Polri remains under the President of the Republic of Indonesia, based on several considerations that will be formally presented to the leadership of House Commission III," he said.