National Police Chief Regarded as Figure Who Listens to Labour Aspirations
Constitutional law expert, Professor Romli Atmaasmita, believes that the public should not debate the appointment of National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo as an honorary member of the Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions (KSBSI).
He noted that this is not an ex-officio position. He stated that this appointment is personal to the figure of Listyo Sigit Prabowo, rather than being formally attached to the office of the National Police Chief.
According to Romli, the KSBSI’s action in appointing General Listyo Sigit Prabowo as an honorary member is valid and legal under existing law. He emphasised that the move is purely a form of appreciation from the labour movement for the Police Chief’s leadership and approach in handling various labour actions and demands to date.
Romli explained that granting honorary membership status does not create a structural relationship or organisational affiliation that presents constitutional law issues. This differs from the active involvement of a state official in the management or political activities of a civil society organisation, which could raise constitutional concerns.
“It is merely a form of appreciation from the labour class. They may view Police Chief Listyo Sigit as a leader who has successfully listened to the voices of workers and managed labour actions peacefully and without repression. It is natural for the Police Chief to receive such appreciation,” said Professor Romli Atmaasmita in a written statement on Sunday, 30 August 2026.
Professor Romli’s statement provides an important perspective that within the framework of Indonesian constitutional law, a civil organisation has the full right to bestow honours upon anyone deemed meritorious, including public officials. As long as there are no violations of the code of ethics, police disciplinary rules, or applicable legislation, such actions cannot be categorised as a constitutional violation.
It is noted that the Chief of the Indonesian National Police, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, has been officially appointed as an honorary member of the Confederation of All Indonesian Trade Unions (KSBSI). This appointment was one of the decisions reached during the KSBSI National Working Meeting (Rakernas) for the year 2026.
KSBSI President Elly Rosita Silaban stated that the decision serves as both a form of recognition and a symbol of the closeness and cooperation that has been established between the KSBSI and the National Police.