Pigai: Civilian Appointment to Police Official Positions is Common Abroad
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai stated that his proposal to allow civilians to hold official positions within the Indonesian National Police (Polri) is part of a ‘civilian oversight’ concept practiced in many developed nations. He suggested that Indonesia could adapt this model by incorporating specific provisions into the ongoing revision of Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the National Police, currently being deliberated in the House of Representatives (DPR).
“Almost all police leaders in developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands have civilian heads,” Pigai stated in a video statement on Saturday, 6 June 2026.
Pigai explained that the positions intended for civilians would be those not directly related to core policing duties, such as finance, technological development, human resources, and managerial roles. He emphasised that this revision would not allow civilians to become the Chief of National Police.
Furthermore, Pigai believes this proposal could serve as a middle ground to resolve long-standing conflicts between civilians and armed forces in Indonesia. He argued that integrating civilians into the Polri structure could eliminate dichotomies and promote justice, as both police and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) could occupy civilian roles. “If the TNI and Polri can move into civilian roles, then civilians can also lead units within the TNI and Polri that are open to civilians. That is the principle of reciprocity,” Pigorn said.
Additionally, Pigai encouraged that civilians should have the opportunity to reach Echelon I status through their positions within the police. He noted that currently, civilian promotions are often limited to Echelon IV, and that allocating more positions for civilians could facilitate more objective and professional career advancement.
Pigai stated he is preparing to work with experts to formulate the proposal for submission to the Polri and the DPR, claiming the move is intended for the comprehensive improvement of the police force. “There is no personal interest. This is for our collective benefit; the goal is to build, which is what substantial police reform looks like, rather than merely symbolic,” he added.
The revision of the Police Law is included in the National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) Priority for discussion in 2026. The revision was proposed by Commission III of the DPR, alongside the new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) and the Asset Forfeiture Bill.
One notable change in the proposed revision is the extension of the retirement age for police officers. It is proposed that the retirement age for non-commissioned and enlisted officers be increased to 58, with a possible extension to 60. Meanwhile, the retirement age for officers would increase to 60, with an extension to 62 for those with specialised expertise.
Deputy Minister of Law Eddy Hiariej revealed that the DPR and the government have agreed on 20 items from the List of Problems (DIM) to be discussed in the revision of Law Number 2 of 2002. This decision was reached during a working committee meeting at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, 4 January 2026.
Hiariej explained that from the draft proposed by the DPR, the government submitted 112 DIMs, consisting of 32 fixed DIMs, 36 editorial DIMs, 12 substantive DIMs, and 8 new substantive items. This means only 20 items will be prioritised for discussion, specifically the 12 substantive and 8 new substantive items. “Since the fixed DIMs are those where the government agrees with the DPR’s proposal, they will not be discussed,” Hiariej said.
Hiariej declined to disclose the specific new substantive items or comment on the proposed retirement age extension, noting that all matters would be discussed in subsequent meetings next week.
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi remarked that Pigai’s proposal regarding civilians holding police positions is a valid viewpoint to present.