Prabowo: Police Must Maintain Public Trust
President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised that public trust is both the essential capital and the greatest strength for the police institution. Consequently, all members of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) have been called upon to maintain closeness with the people, enforce the law fairly, and increase professionalism to face modern challenges.
These messages were delivered by Prabowo while delivering his mandate at the 80th Bhayangkara Day Commemoration Ceremony in Bogor Regency on Wednesday (1/7). In his address, he conveyed six key messages to the entire Polri ranks. The first message was to maintain public trust as the primary foundation in performing policing duties.
“Guard the people’s trust. Because trust is a policeman’s strongest weapon,” said Prabowo.
The Head of State also reminded every member of Polri to always be present among the community and provide the best service. In his view, the police must be protectors of the people, rather than making life difficult for the citizens they serve.
“Be a policeman who is close to the people. Come when the people need you, listen to the people, serve the people, protect the people. Do not instead burden the people. Remember, our salaries as state instruments come from the people. All our equipment comes from the people. Therefore, we must truly guard and protect our people,” he stated.
Furthermore, Prabowo requested that Polri enforce the law fairly with the courage to defend the truth and protect vulnerable groups without fear of pressure from any party.
He also emphasised the importance of increasing professionalism. According to him, police apparatus 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 that Polri continue to strengthen synergy with the TNI, ministries, local governments, community leaders, clerics, academics, 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 Polri to continue internal improvements while remaining humble and open to criticism and change.
“Never stop improving yourselves. Do not be arrogant. The more knowledgeable you become, the more humble you should be. Humility does not mean low self-esteem. Rather, those who are strong will be more polite and behave better. A great institution is an institution that is willing to listen. A strong institution is an institution that dares to change. An institution loved by the people is an institution that is always humble,” he said.
Furthermore, Prabowo expressed his appreciation to the Chief of National Police (Kapolri) and the entire ranks for continuously improving the organisation through increased professionalism, discipline, public service, and synergy with all components of the nation.
Prabowo also warned that Indonesian democracy must not be hijacked by the interests of capital owners or foreign influences that have the potential to divide the nation’s unity. President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed that law enforcement in Indonesia must side with justice and must not become a tool for the interests of specific groups.