Police Bill: Government and Parliament Agree on Provisions Regarding External Assignments
Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) held a working group meeting with Deputy Minister of Law and Human Rights, Edward Omar Sharief Hiariej, to discuss the list of issues (DIM) regarding the revision of Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia. One of the agreed-upon points involves the placement of police officers outside the National Police institution.
The meeting took place at the DPR RI Commission III office in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday (8/6/2026). Deputy Minister Edward introduced a new proposed Article 28A, situated between Articles 28 and 29, which specifically addresses the placement of police members outside the National Police organisation.
Article 28A stipulates that members of the National Police may occupy positions outside the police organisation provided those roles are related to policing functions. These roles may include managerial or non-managerial positions within ministries or agencies responsible for government affairs in the fields of:
maintaining security, order, and public welfare;
law enforcement; and
protection, guardianship, and public service.
Furthermore, the article states that if a police officer occupies a position outside the organisation that does not relate to policing functions, they are required to resign from active duty or retire from the police force after legally assuming the new position. Conversely, officers may fill roles in other agencies upon request, provided there is approval from the minister responsible for state apparatus utilisation and following an open selection process based on a merit system. Additionally, positions within the National Police organisation may be filled by civil servants who possess the necessary competence and meet legal requirements, following a request from the Chief of Police and approval from the relevant minister.
During the session, Commission III member I Wayan Sudirta raised concerns that paragraphs 3 and 4 of the proposed Article 28A might conflict with MPR Decree VII of 2000, which states that police members may only hold positions outside the police force after resigning or retiring.
In response, Deputy Minister Edward explained that as long as the external role is related to the duties and functions of the police, the officer does not need to resign. He cited the example of an officer serving in a ministry involved in law enforcement, where their active duty status is necessary to coordinate the supervision of Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS). He noted that more detailed regulations regarding these placements would be established in subsequent Government Regulations.