Minister Supratman Denies Police Law is Laden with Political Interests

Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas has refuted claims that the ratification of the Police Law was carried out to smooth the way for political power interests. According to him, the regulation is actually part of efforts to reform the police institution, which has been a public demand. “What for now? What for power, for whose power? There is a demand that we want to reform the National Police,” Supratman said at the North Sumatra Governor’s Office on Wednesday (10/6). Supratman stressed that the substance of the Police Law is not solely about regulating the authority of the police institution. He said the regulation also covers aspects of human resource development, including the education system and professional development of police members. According to him, the public needs to view the Police Law comprehensively and not only focus on a number of articles that are the subject of debate in the public sphere. “It’s not only related to that matter, but also how its education is regulated,” he said. He also reminded that the ratification of the Police Law is not the final stage of the regulatory formation process. There are still a number of derivative regulations that the government must formulate to implement the provisions in the law. “And don’t forget that this law is not final. Several government regulations, presidential regulations, and so forth are still needed and must be made. So later, look at this as a complete unity related to the matter,” he explained. Supratman’s statement was made amidst emerging criticism from various circles who consider the revision of the Police Law to have the potential to expand the authority of the police institution and open up space for political power interests. However, the government stressed that the regulatory changes are directed at strengthening the governance, professionalism, and accountability of the National Police in carrying out its duties.