Prabowo: Police Must Maintain Public Trust

President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised that public trust is the greatest asset and strength for the police institution. He called on all members of the Indonesian National Police to maintain close ties with the people, enforce the law fairly, and enhance professionalism in facing the challenges of the times. The message was delivered by Prabowo during his address at the 80th Bhayangkara Day Commemoration Ceremony in 2026 in Bogor Regency on Wednesday (1/7). In his address, he conveyed six messages to the entire police force. The first message was to safeguard public trust as the main foundation in carrying out police duties. “Maintain the people’s trust. Because trust is a police officer’s strongest weapon,” Prabowo said. The Head of State also reminded every police officer to always be present in the community and provide the best service. According to him, the police must be protectors of the people, not make life difficult for the communities they serve. “Be a police officer who is close to the people. Come when the people need you, listen to the people, serve the people, protect the people. Do not make life difficult for the people. Remember, our salaries as state apparatus come from the people. All our equipment comes from the people. Therefore, we must truly protect and safeguard our people,” he stated. Additionally, Prabowo asked the police to enforce the law fairly with the courage to defend the truth and protect vulnerable groups without fear of pressure from any party. He also stressed the importance of enhancing professionalism. According to him, law enforcement officers must master science, technology, and artificial intelligence to be able to face the increasingly complex forms of crime in the present and future. Equally important, Prabowo requested the police to continue strengthening synergy with the Indonesian National Armed Forces, ministries, regional governments, community leaders, religious scholars, academics, the media, business actors, farmers, fishermen, labourers, and all elements of society. He noted that the task of maintaining security cannot be carried out by the police alone. The Head of State also urged the police to continue internal reforms by remaining humble and open to criticism and change. “Never stop improving yourselves. Do not be arrogant. The fuller the rice stalk, the lower it bows. Humility does not mean low self-esteem. It is the strong who will be more polite and better behaved. A great institution is one that is willing to listen. A strong institution is one that dares to change. An institution loved by the people is one that is always humble,” he said. Furthermore, Prabowo expressed appreciation to the National Police Chief and all ranks for continuously reforming the organisation through increased professionalism, discipline, public service, and synergy with all components of the nation.