National Police Headquarters Bans Police from Live Streaming While on Duty to Maintain Professionalism

Mabes Polri has prohibited all members of the Bhayangkara Corps from conducting live broadcasts or live streaming on social media while on duty. The Head of Public Relations Division of Polri, Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, stated that this measure is intended to maintain the professionalism of each member and the institution’s image in the public sphere. Through this regulation, Isir said all members are also expected to be more prudent in utilising social media. “This is to build collective awareness so that Polri members use social media wisely, while also safeguarding and enhancing the image, credibility, and reputation of the institution in a responsible, professional, proportional, and procedural manner,” he said in a written statement on Monday (4/5). He explained that the prohibition is also enshrined in Telegram Letter Number STR/1517/VI/WAS.2/2024, which serves as the basis for strengthening supervision of personnel’s activities in the digital space, particularly while carrying out official duties. In addition, Isir stated that all Polri members are required to uphold Polri Regulation Number 7 of 2022 as well as Government Regulation Number 2 of 2003 on member discipline. Both regulations, he said, emphasise the importance of ethics, responsibility, and professionalism in every action, including on social media. Nevertheless, Isir emphasised that the use of social media by members remains permitted. However, it must be directed towards public relations interests and under the coordination of the Polri Public Relations function. “Social media can be utilised positively to support Polri’s performance and productivity, particularly in the public relations function. However, its use must be coordinated and not carried out haphazardly by members while on duty,” he said.