National Police Chief Assures that Space for Criticism Will Remain Open: Democracy Must Continue

The National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, has assured that the police will continue to guarantee freedom of expression and space for public criticism. The National Police Chief has guaranteed freedom of democratic space in Indonesia.

This was conveyed by the National Police Chief during an iftar event attended by leaders of community organizations, youth organizations, students, and elements of civil society. According to him, the police has a responsibility to provide services so that the process of conveying aspirations can run well.

“This is our shared responsibility to oversee the democratic process. As mandated by Law Number 9 of 1998 concerning Freedom of Expressing Opinions in Public,” said General Sigit at the Mutiara Auditorium, STIK/PTIK, South Jakarta, Thursday (February 26, 2026).

General Sigit also ordered all ranks to facilitate the aspirations conveyed by the public. He emphasized that his members should not be anti-public sentiment.

“The police are currently changing paradigms, from initially guarding to serving. The police are ready to be facilitators and mediators so that all processes can run safely, smoothly, and orderly,” he said.

On the one hand, the National Police Chief reminded that democratic space should not be infiltrated by parties that want unrest. He reminded the public to take care of public space wisely.

“For this reason, let us work together to ensure that democratic space can run well and not be infiltrated by groups that want unrest, which can result in messages being distorted, not reaching their intended audience, and deviating from the original aspirations,” said General Sigit.

General Sigit said that if this happens, it will cause unrest that can endanger the safety of the public and other public facilities. This can also have an impact on disrupting social and economic stability.

“If it drags on and is not controlled, this will result in division in the nation, setbacks in the economic, social, cultural, and defense sectors, which will of course harm all of society, the nation, and the country. This is something we must always remember,” said Sigit.

“Therefore, we all have a responsibility to ensure that this democratic space is not tarnished and away from our hopes to continue maintaining unity and integrity,” he continued.

On that occasion, General Sigit openly conveyed an apology for incidents of friction that had occurred between officers and the public in the field.

“I, personally and as the leader of the National Police institution, apologize if in carrying out their duties, our officers in maintaining security and public order in the field, there have often been frictions that can result in casualties on both sides. Be assured that this is not what we are looking for,” he said.

General Sigit admitted that the National Police institution is not yet perfect. He promised to provide strict, transparent, and accountable sanctions to members who commit violations or undermine public trust.

“We realize that the National Police is not yet perfect. The National Police is of course committed to continuing to improve to meet the expectations of the community. The National Police will provide strict sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations, transparently and accountably, to members who commit violations and undermine public trust,” he concluded.