Prabowo Emphasises That the TNI and Polri Are Forbidden From Supporting Illegal Activities
President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, has issued a firm instruction to the ranks of the National Police (Polri) and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to carry out a comprehensive institutional reform. The President emphasised that there should be no more personnel providing support or acting as protectors (backing) for illegal activities.
This statement was made by the President during the inauguration of the Marsinah Museum and the Transit House in Nganjuk Regency, East Java, on Saturday, 16 May 2026. In his address, the Head of State reminded that all officials and personnel are paid with public funds, so their primary obligation is to defend the interests of the people.
“Commander of the TNI, Chief of Police, I don’t want to hear anymore about personnel who do not uphold the law, justice, and truth. It is not permissible to support various illegal activities,” said President Prabowo, as monitored through an online broadcast.
Strict Prohibition Against Supporting Misconduct
The President specifically highlighted the importance of cleansing the TNI and Polri institutions from practices of corruption and irregularities. He asked the leaders of both institutions to be courageous in carrying out internal corrections to maintain the integrity of the institutions.
“All personnel must improve themselves, must cleanse themselves, must be brave in making corrections. It should not be the case that personnel are behind the irregularities, personnel who support smuggling, support drugs, support gambling, support these and other illegal activities. It must not happen,” Prabowo reminded.
Personnel are strictly prohibited from being involved in or protecting illegal activities such as gambling, drugs, and smuggling. The TNI and Polri must transform into a military and police force that truly serves the people and upholds justice.
Towards a Military and Police Force for the People
In the name of the people, President Prabowo asked that the Polri and TNI truly internalise their identity as protectors of the community. He appreciated the efforts being made by the leaders of each institution to support the welfare of the people.
One concrete example highlighted by the President is the active role of the TNI and Polri in supporting the national food self-sufficiency program, where personnel in the field directly assist farmers in the fields and gardens.
“This is what I mean when I say that the TNI is the military of the people, our police must be the police of the people, and this is what the leaders of the Police are currently pioneering,” Prabowo Subianto concluded.
This firm step is expected to strengthen public trust in law enforcement and defence institutions, as well as ensure national security stability from the disruption of illegal activities that harm the country in terms of Rupiah currency and social stability.
Source: Presidential Secretariat Press Release / MI-Studio Editorial