Palace Responds to Proposal for Civilians to Hold Positions within National Police
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has stated that the proposal to allow civilians to occupy certain positions within the police force is a valid point for discussion. This follows a suggestion made by the Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, regarding the substance of the revision to Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the National Police (Polri), which is currently being processed in the House of Representatives (DPR).
“Regarding views or opinions, I believe they are perfectly valid. However, everything must be evaluated based on its merits, needs, and requirements,” Prasety<0xC2>undefended Prasetyo at the DPR building in Jakarta on Saturday, 6 June 2026.
Prasetyo noted that the legislative revision should strengthen the functions and duties of the National Police as protectors and guardians of the community, expressing hope that the police force will be well-loved by the people. In addition to their mandate as public protectors, Prasetyo emphasised that the police must continue their role in maintaining public order, including tackling drug smuggling and other illegal goods.
The Gerindra Party politician highlighted the increasingly sophisticated methods of drug smuggling and its impact on the future of Indonesia’s younger generation. He also cited the smuggling of garment industry goods, which is feared could erode the sustainability of domestic businesses. “Smuggling issues will affect our economy, especially if the smuggled goods are those that can disrupt the real economic sector of the community,” he said.
The revision of the National Police Law is included in the National Legislative Program (Prolegnas) Priority list for discussion in 2026. This revision was proposed by Commission III of the DPR, alongside the newly passed Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) and the Asset Forfeiture Bill.
According to the Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, this revision agenda could serve as a momentum to strengthen professionalism, civilian supremacy, and democratic governance. Pigai proposed that certain senior positions within the police force be opened to civilians. “I propose that one of the contents of the National Police Law revision is to open senior positions within the Police that can be filled by civilians,” Pigai stated in a written statement on Friday, 5 June 2026.
These civilian roles, according to Pigai, would occupy positions related to administration, finance, inspection, or personnel, which are not directly related to the core operational duties of the police. Pigai argued that the involvement of civilians in key police positions is a practice developing in various modern democratic nations. He also noted that the proposal aligns with the spirit of reform, which positions the police as a civilian institution. Furthermore, Pigai urged that the discussion of the National Police Law revision be conducted through a participatory process to ensure that the ultimate goal is not merely structural change, but ensuring police governance becomes more professional, accountable, respectful of human rights, and aligned with the principles of a constitutional state and democracy.