PDIP's Message to New National Police Chief: Polri Must Be an Instrument of the State, Not an Instrument of Power
Jakarta, VIVA – PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) has expressed its support for President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to appoint Suyudi Ario Seto as the Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Kapolri), replacing General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.
The Secretary-General of PDI Perjuangan, Hasto Kristiyante, stated that the change in the leadership of the National Police should be viewed as a momentum for institutional refreshment and a way to strengthen the supremacy of law in Indonesia.
“PDI Perjuangan supports the decision of President Prabowo, who has issued a Presidential Letter appointing Commissioner General Pol. Suyudi Ario Seto as the candidate for Kapolri,” said Hasto in Jakarta on Thursday (1/10/2026).
Hasto noted that PDIP views the change of the National Police Chief not merely as a change of figure at the helm of the Bhayangkara Corps. This momentum must be part of the reform of the National Police institution to ensure it becomes increasingly professional, maintains integrity, remains neutral, and stands tall as an instrument of the state.
“Polri must be an instrument of the state, not an instrument of power. The neutrality, professionalism, and integrity of Polri must be reinforced,” Hasto asserted.
Hasto also closely noted several points raised by Commissioner General Suyudi during the fitness and propriety test at the House of Representatives (DPR), particularly regarding the equality of every citizen before the law, transparency in handling cases, and criticism of the “no viral, no justice” phenomenon.
“What Commissioner General Suyudi stated regarding equality before the law, case transparency, and ‘no viral, no justice’ needs to be translated into concrete action. Indeed, these principles must become the culture of the National Police in providing service and justice to the community,” he said.
According to Hasto, public trust in the police institution is heavily determined by how the law is enforced fairly, without discriminating based on background, social status, economic standing, or political proximity.
Therefore, PDIP emphasised the importance of continuing and strengthening the National Police reform agenda under the leadership of the new Chief of Police.
This agenda, Hasto said, must be reflected through the independence of investigations and law enforcement; transparency in case handling; the eradication of illegal levies and transactional practices; the protection of human rights and democracy; as well as increasing the accountability of the Professional and Security Division (Propam) and external oversight.
“It is also very important to meet public expectations so that Polri is not used for practical political interests. The police institution must stand for all the people of Indonesia and work based on the law and the constitution,” said Hasto.