On Police Anniversary, Lawmaker Reminds National Police Not to Abuse Power and Authority

A member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Rudianto Lallo, has reminded the National Police institution, on the occasion of the 80th Bhayangkara Anniversary, to consistently maintain public trust as a law enforcement agency and as a protector and servant of the community. “Alhamdulillah, the National Police institution has now become an institution with a significantly increased level of public trust. Last year, it may have been around 72 per cent, and this year, based on a Kompas survey release last April, it has reached 82 per cent,” he said in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Saturday. He stated that this achievement means the police must truly maintain their professionalism. The duty of the police is to serve, protect, and safeguard the community, as well as to enforce the law in order to preserve public trust. “So, if there are still individuals who step out of line, it is utterly unacceptable if they still abuse their authority and power,” Rudi explained during a social activity distributing 1,000 basic food packages as part of the Bhayangkara Anniversary celebrations at the Anak Rakyat Aspiration House in Makassar. He continued that the activity was carried out solely to demonstrate that the police and the community are an inseparable entity. Police officers are part of civil society, just like other members of the public, only they have security duties. On the same occasion, Makassar City Police Chief Senior Commissioner Arya Perdana stated that the Bhayangkara Anniversary commemoration serves as a momentum to strengthen collaboration between the police and the community. This is because the police cannot create a situation of security and order without the support of the public. “The police cannot work alone. The current conducive situation in Makassar City is the result of the joint efforts of all elements of society who share the same goal of maintaining security and order,” he said. Meanwhile, South Sulawesi Regional Police Operations Bureau Chief Brigadier General Bambang Widjanarko added that the success in maintaining public order and security in Makassar is the fruit of synergy between the police, community leaders, religious figures, and various communities. However, the police still face various limitations, whether in terms of personnel, budget, or supporting facilities. Therefore, public support is a crucial factor in handling various security disturbances, including street crime and motorcycle gangs.