Police Officers Involved in Narcotics Should Receive Double the Punishment
Jakarta, VIVA – The Chairman of the National Police Family Association (KBPP Polri) for the 2015-2021 period, AH. Bimo Suryono, has highlighted the case of alleged involvement of officials within the Bima Kota Police in narcotics matters, which has once again shocked the public.
According to him, the case has drawn attention because it involves officials who hold authority in law enforcement.
"This case is not only criminal in dimension but also concerns the dignity of the institution," Bimo stated firmly in a written statement, quoted on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
Bimo emphasised that law enforcement officers bear a higher moral responsibility compared to civilians. He said the moral impact of such cases is far greater because they undermine the public's sense of justice.
"When officers who are mandated to eradicate narcotics are themselves suspected of involvement, it is not merely a legal violation. It is a betrayal of their oath of office and the trust of the people," Bimo said.
Bimo argued that if proven lawfully and convincingly in court, the punishment for law enforcement officers in narcotics cases should be significantly increased. Furthermore, he stressed that abuse of authority constitutes an aggravating factor in criminal law.
"I am of the view that the punishment for officers proven to be involved in narcotics should be at least twice as severe as that for civilians in equivalent cases. This is not about emotion; this is about the responsibility of office. Officers understand the law, are given power, and are paid by the state. If that power is abused, then the legal consequences must also be multiplied," he said.
Additionally, he cautioned against any impression of lenient treatment towards officers entangled in such cases. Firmness against rogue individuals, he said, would in fact strengthen the institution.
"If the law is sharp towards those below but blunt towards those above, then public trust will collapse. There must be no impression that officers receive special treatment. The institution will be strong if it dares to cleanse itself. Firmness against rogue elements is a form of devotion to the National Police," Bimo explained.
He stated that if ordinary citizens receive heavy sentences for narcotics offences, then officers who abuse their positions in the same cases must receive far heavier punishment. Without firmness, justice will remain nothing more than a slogan.
According to him, the case has drawn attention because it involves officials who hold authority in law enforcement.
"This case is not only criminal in dimension but also concerns the dignity of the institution," Bimo stated firmly in a written statement, quoted on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
Bimo emphasised that law enforcement officers bear a higher moral responsibility compared to civilians. He said the moral impact of such cases is far greater because they undermine the public's sense of justice.
"When officers who are mandated to eradicate narcotics are themselves suspected of involvement, it is not merely a legal violation. It is a betrayal of their oath of office and the trust of the people," Bimo said.
Bimo argued that if proven lawfully and convincingly in court, the punishment for law enforcement officers in narcotics cases should be significantly increased. Furthermore, he stressed that abuse of authority constitutes an aggravating factor in criminal law.
"I am of the view that the punishment for officers proven to be involved in narcotics should be at least twice as severe as that for civilians in equivalent cases. This is not about emotion; this is about the responsibility of office. Officers understand the law, are given power, and are paid by the state. If that power is abused, then the legal consequences must also be multiplied," he said.
Additionally, he cautioned against any impression of lenient treatment towards officers entangled in such cases. Firmness against rogue individuals, he said, would in fact strengthen the institution.
"If the law is sharp towards those below but blunt towards those above, then public trust will collapse. There must be no impression that officers receive special treatment. The institution will be strong if it dares to cleanse itself. Firmness against rogue elements is a form of devotion to the National Police," Bimo explained.
He stated that if ordinary citizens receive heavy sentences for narcotics offences, then officers who abuse their positions in the same cases must receive far heavier punishment. Without firmness, justice will remain nothing more than a slogan.