PDIP and Jokowi Aligned on Reasons for Listyo's Removal as National Police Chief by Prabowo
President Prabowo Subianto, on Thursday (1/9/2026), inaugurated General Pol. Listyo Sigit Prabowo as the Chief of Staff to the Presidency, replacing Dudung Abdurachman, at the State Palace in Jakarta. The inauguration follows Listyo’s removal from his position as National Police Chief, which has been succeeded by Inspector General Pol. Suyudi Ario Seto.
Prior to his appointment as Chief of Staff to the Presidency, Listyo had served as the National Police Chief since 27 January 202<0xC2>1. The position of National Police Chief is now held by Inspector General Pol. Suyudi Ario Seto, following the House of Representatives’ (DPR RI) approval of his appointment this Thursday.
The Speaker of the House, Puan Maharani, stated that General Pol. Listyo Sigit Prabowo was removed from his post as National Police Chief because his term had naturally concluded. She noted that Listyo was dismissed honourably after leading the Bhayangkara Corps.
“Because it was simply time,” Puan said during a press conference following a plenary session at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Thursday.
PDI Perjuangan politician Mohamad Guntur Romli stated that his party supports the President’s efforts to replace the National Police Chief, particularly as Listyo had held the highest leadership position within the National Police for an extended period.
According to Guntur, power held by a single individual for too long risks creating stagnation, dulling corrective capabilities, and distancing the institution from the people’s expectations. Therefore, refreshment and rotation at the helm of the National Police is an inevitability.
“PDI Perjuangan wishes to remind of one simple but often forgotten thing: every position has its era. No position is eternal,” he said.
Guntur assessed that the change is not a personal matter, but rather a matter of institutional health. He argued that leadership regeneration is part of a healthy democratic tradition and a vital part of the ongoing police reform agenda awaited by the public.
PDI Perjuangan believes that President Prabowo’s decision was made based on the interests of the nation and state, rather than the interests of specific groups or factions. The party also supports the move as an effort to strengthen the National Police to become more professional, modern, and trusted by the people.
Guntur expressed hope that Inspector General Pol. Suyudi can carry out his duties with integrity and earnestness. He noted that the National Police must return to its identity as a protector, nurturer, and servant of the community.
He reminded that the National Police must remain neutral, enforce the law without discrimination, and respect human rights. The institution must also be free from patronage and transactional practices in career development.
“The position of National Police Chief is not the pinnacle of a career, but the pinnacle of responsibility to the people,” he concluded.