Police Force Commits to Inclusive Institution by Recruiting Persons with Disabilities

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has reaffirmed its commitment to realising an inclusive institution through the Proactive Recruitment of Persons with Disabilities programme, which has been running for several years and was strengthened by the newly passed Polri Bill. Head of the Polri Public Relations Division, Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, stated in Jakarta on Thursday that Polri provides equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to serve the nation and state. He said the recruitment process has a strong legal foundation, including Law Number 8 of 2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities, Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the Indonesian National Police, and National Police Chief Regulation Number 10 of 2019 concerning the Proactive Recruitment of Prospective Polri Members. In the selection process, Polri applies principles of fairness and inclusivity by providing adjustments according to the participant’s disability condition without reducing the competency standards required to carry out police duties. Disabilities that have been eligible to participate in Polri recruitment include physical disabilities in certain categories that still allow individuals to perform duties according to the competencies and positions required by the organisation. Some categories that have been recruited include amputees, paralysis, paraplegia, and cerebral palsy with mild disability levels who are still able to carry out activities independently. The two-star police general also stated that the placement of disabled personnel is based on competency, educational background, and organisational needs. ‘They can serve in functions that prioritise administrative skills, analysis, public service, information technology, health, and other supporting fields relevant to their abilities,’ he said. Regarding future recruitment numbers or percentages, he said Polri is still conducting studies and adjustments according to organisational needs and the development of applicable regulations. ‘The most important thing is to ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities who have the competence and potential to become part of Polri. In principle, Polri will continue to open inclusive, professional, and fair service spaces for all citizens,’ he stressed. Furthermore, the one-star police general revealed that to date, Polri has recruited persons with disabilities through the Police Inspector School for Graduates (SIPSS), Non-Commissioned Officers (Bintara), and Polri Civil Servants (ASN) pathways. In 2024, two disabled participants were recorded as being recruited through SIPSS and 16 people through the Bintara pathway. Meanwhile, in 2025, one disabled participant was accepted through the Polri Bintara pathway.