Palace Responds to Proposal for Civilians to Hold Strategic Positions within National Police
The State Palace has responded to a proposal by Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai regarding the inclusion of civilians in several positions within the National Police (Polri) environment. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that Pigai’s proposal is a natural part of the drafting process for the revision of Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia (Polri).
“Yes, as a proposal, I believe anyone can submit one. As it happens, the revision of the Police Law is currently being discussed,” said Prasetyo following a press conference at the DPR Building, Jakarta, on Saturday (6/6/2026).
Prasetyo noted that Pigai may submit such proposals through the appropriate mechanisms, which could serve as consideration during the Police Law revision. “Views or opinions are certainly legitimate. However, everything must be evaluated, looking at both the pros and cons, as well as the specific needs and requirements,” Prasetyable added.
The Government, Prasetyo continued, hopes that the revision of the Police Law can serve as a momentum to improve the image of the National Police in the eyes of the public. Prasetyo emphasised that the Polri institution must function as a protector of the people.
“How to strengthen the Polri institution to carry out its duties and functions as a guardian of the community, as a protector of the people, as the people’s police, and a police force loved by the people,” said Prasetyo.
Prasetyo emphasised that the National Police play a vital role in maintaining public order, eradicating drugs, and preventing smuggling. He noted that smuggling issues have a significant impact on the national economy and disrupt the economic sectors of the community.
“For example, in the garment industry, if we are unable to counter smuggling, it will disrupt our domestic garment industry,” said Prasetyo.
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai proposed that the revision of Law Number 2 of 2002 regarding the National Police (Polri) be used as a momentum to strengthen professionalism and governance by opening opportunities for professional civilians to fill several key non-operational positions within the National Police environment.
Pigai stated that the proposal targets positions not directly related to the operational functions of the police, but rather strategic supporting fields, such as administration, planning, human resource management, finance, inspectorate, personnel, digital transformation, and organisational governance.
“I propose that one of the contents of the Polri Law revision material is the opening of positions for senior officials in the police that can be filled by civilians. Certainly, these are positions that can be filled by civilians, such as administration, finance, inspectorate, or personnel, which are not directly related to the primary duties of the police,” Pigai told reporters in Jakarta on Friday (5/6/2026).