Pigai Proposes Civilians May Hold Positions in National Police, Habiburokhman: Please Submit the Proposal
The Chairman of Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR), Habiburokhman, stated that he is open to all proposals regarding the revision of Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the Indonesian National Police. This includes the suggestion made by Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai that civilians could hold positions within the state security institution.
He suggested that Pigai submit the proposal directly to Commission III of the DPR, as the legal commission is currently discussing the list of problems (DIM) for the Police Bill alongside the government. “Mr Pigai should officially submit his proposal here. Anyone from the public is welcome to submit suggestions,” said Habiblarokhman when met at the DPR complex, Jakarta, on Monday, 8 June 2026.
The Gerindra Party politician declined to comment on the substance of the proposal regarding civilians holding positions in the police. Several members of Commission III also stated they are still studying the suggestion.
Previously, Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai proposed that civilians could occupy several positions within the police force. “I propose that one of the contents of the Police Law revision is to open key positions within the Police that can be filled by civilians,” Pigai said in a written statement on Friday, 5 June 2026.
According to Pigai, these civilians could fill positions related to administrative, financial, inspectorate, or personnel matters that are not directly related to the primary duties of the police. He noted that the involvement of civilians in key police positions is a practice developing in various modern democratic nations. “Almost all police leaders in advanced countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands, have civilian leaders,” Pigai said.
He believes the proposal aligns with the spirit of reform, which positions the police as a civilian institution. He maintains that this could serve as a middle ground for the ongoing conflict between civilians and armed apparatus in Indonesia. According to him, the inclusion of civilians in the Polri could eliminate dichotomy and implement justice, as members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Police 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 is the principle of reciprocity,” Pigai added.