Can Indonesia’s new police chief repair the force’s image, commit to reforms?

Indonesia's new police chief, Suyudi Ario Seto, faces a daunting challenge to mend the force's tarnished image following a string of scandals. President Prabowo Subianto appointed Suyudi on Thursday, following the reshuffling of his cabinet. Suyudi, 53, previously held several high-ranking positions in the police force, including Jakarta director of criminal investigation, deputy director of the National Cyber Crime Unit, and police chief of Banten.

The government is exploring recommendations for police reform, including changes to the work culture and limits on police officers holding public positions outside the force. While Listyo Sigit Prabowo, the outgoing chief, still holds considerable influence in the force, his role has been redistributed to the Executive Office of the President (KSP).

Listyo's tenure was marked by several major police scandals, such as the 2022 murder of a subordinate by a high-ranking police general and a stampede at Kanjuruhan Stadium in 2023 that resulted in 135 deaths. Critics argue that Listyo's policies, including pursuing political rivals and weakening civil society, contributed to the force's tainted legacy.

Suyudi, however, has pledged to make the police institution more responsive to public needs and sensibilities. He has vowed to prioritize issues such as equality before the law, eliminating illegal extortion by officers, and curbing excessive use of force. Suyudi aims to create a situation where children see police officers as protectors rather than something to be feared.

Despite the public's generally high satisfaction with the police (over 80% according to recent polls), some analysts remain skeptical about the police force's ability to undergo meaningful reform. Some argue that police reform has only exacerbated the force's power and impunity over time. To prove sincerity, Suyudi must take bold steps in personnel changes and address the core issues plaguing the police force.