Translating the tagline ‘Police alongside community’ into actions
As sweeping new powers meet persistent allegations of abuse, Indonesia’s new police chief faces a defining test: turn a modest community slogan into real accountability, or let the "no viral, no justice" reality endure.
Indonesia appointed a new National Police chief on October 1, 2025, replacing the longest-serving chief in the country's history. General Suyudi Ario Seto pledged to embody the slogan "The National Police alongside the community," emphasizing collaboration and accountability.
However, the police face significant challenges in living up to this vision. Complaints to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) show that the police are the most frequently reported institution, with a surge in grievances about alleged violations of due process. These include arbitrary arrests, detentions without legal counsel, biased investigations, coercion during interrogations, and excessive force during public demonstrations.
With a broad mandate encompassing public order maintenance, crime suppression, cyber operations, and administrative services, the police are vital to the criminal justice system. Yet, the high volume of complaints underscores the need for genuine community engagement. The chief must balance independence in enforcing the law while deepening relationships with other state bodies and civil society to fulfill the right to justice and uphold the dignity of the National Police.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
