Indonesia's new police chief moved fast to shake up the force. Can he change its culture?
New Indonesian Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto began overhauling the force just two days after getting the job. Experts ask whether his sweeping personnel changes are indicators of wider change.
Indonesian Police Chief Suyudi Ario Seto initiated a sweeping overhaul of his force just two days after assuming his position. This rapid reshuffle, which included promoting 70 officers and assigning new responsibilities to 18 others, has sparked debate over whether it signifies broader change. Prominent figures within the police hierarchy, such as the Riau Islands province chief and the Jakarta police chief, have been reassigned to high-ranking positions.
Critics are questioning if these moves are merely a generational renewal or a deliberate effort to disrupt existing hierarchies and remove influential centers. Suyudi, a 53-year-old police academy graduate with experience in criminal investigation, cybercrime, and narcotics enforcement, has pledged to make the police more responsive to the public.
A new tagline, "Police Together with the Community," was unveiled on October 5. While Suyudi's background suggests a commitment to combining enforcement with public service, analysts caution that the true test lies in whether these changes translate into a shift in police culture and improve public interactions.
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