South Sumatra Police Chief Says Indonesian National Police Need Academic Input to Formulate Security Policy
Palembang — The role of academics in formulating public policy is increasingly recognised as vital, including in security matters. A knowledge-based approach is considered capable of helping state apparatus understand social issues more comprehensively whilst delivering more appropriate solutions.
This perspective was expressed by South Sumatra Police Chief Sandi Nugroho when meeting with university leaders in Palembang. At the forum held at South Sumatra Police Headquarters, he stressed that law enforcement cannot work alone in maintaining regional security stability.
The meeting brought together the regional police force with 16 rectors and leaders of higher education institutions from various areas across South Sumatra. The discussion took place in the Transit Room on the 1st Floor of the Precision Building at South Sumatra Police Headquarters and was combined with an iftar gathering.
During the event, Sandi Nugroho also introduced himself as the newly appointed South Sumatra Police Chief, taking office in February 2026. He affirmed his commitment to expanding communication with various segments of society, including academics recognised for their important contribution in providing scientific perspective.
According to him, universities possess intellectual capacity that can help police understand social dynamics developing in society. With support from academic research, the security policies adopted are expected to be more targeted and data-driven.
“Campuses have tremendously important intellectual strength. We need academic input to help formulate better security policies,” Sandi Nugroho said on Friday, 13 March 2026.
Several university leaders who attended the meeting included representatives from Sriwijaya University, UIN Raden Fatah Palembang, and Muhammadiyah University Palembang. Also present were leaders from various other state and private higher education institutions across South Sumatra.
Beyond discussing security issues, the police chief also presented several strategic programmes being implemented by the regional police force. One programme receiving particular attention is strengthening the agricultural sector through a maize-planting initiative as part of efforts to support national food security.
In this programme, the police force serves as a bridge between the government, farmers, and various parties involved. This role is expected to help ensure the programme runs effectively whilst benefiting the community.