Law Minister: House of Representatives Must Regulate Police Civilian Roles in Police Bill

Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas stated that Commission III of the House of Representatives must regulate the placement of police officers in civilian roles or outside the police structure during discussions on the Third Amendment to the 2002 National Police Act (Police Bill).

He noted this is one of the points for consideration during the bill’s deliberation, alongside strengthening principles of transparency, professionalism, accountability, and humanism in the police’s duties and powers.

“The government welcomes the bill and is willing to conduct more in-depth and comprehensive discussions with the House of Representatives,” Supratman said during a meeting on the Police Bill with Commission III of the House of Representatives at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Monday.

He added the bill should also strengthen police education curricula to include human rights protection, democracy, and humanistic principles.

He said the role of the National Police Commission (Kompolnas) must also be reinforced, including expanded duties and authority, and structured membership through open, transparent, and competency-based mechanisms.

He noted the Police Act, in effect for over two decades, needs updating to align with legal developments, societal needs, scientific and technological advancements, transnational crime trends, and contemporary security threats.

“The government’s detailed response to the bill will be provided in the Problem Inventory List,” he said.