Placing Indonesia‘s Police Under Civilian Control: A Debate Heats Up
A major debate is unfolding in Indonesia regarding the structural placement of its police force. Currently, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) falls under the direct control of the president. However, this delicate balance of power is being challenged, with some influential voices calling for a shift to civilian oversight.
Mardani Ali Sera, a prominent figure within the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), acknowledged the complexity of the issue.
"Di bawah presiden seperti saat ini memudahkan kontrol," he noted, highlighting the current system’s efficiency in ensuring presidential oversight.
However, he also pointed to international models where police often fall under local governance, sometimes even the authority of mayors.
"Polisi di negara maju seringnya malah di bawah wali kota. Enaknya kita bahas bersama. Untuk kemajuan polisi kita dan untuk keamanan negara kita," he stated, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and careful consideration of diverse perspectives.
But Mardani cautioned against blindly adopting foreign models, warning that it could create vulnerabilities in a country like Indonesia where mayor positions often carry significant political weight.
"Kalau seperti negara maju, di bawah wali kota bisa bahaya karena banyak kepala daerah ada jabatan politis,” he explained, expressing concern over potential political interference under such a system.
Adding fuel to the fire, Deddy Sitorus, a key member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), recently proposed returning the police force to the control of either the Minister of Home Affairs or the Armed Forces Chief. He framed his proposal as a measure to prevent potential election interference.
"Perlu diketahui bahwa kami sudah sedang mendalami kemungkinan untuk mendorong kembali agar Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia kembali di bawah kendali Panglima TNI. Atau agar Kepolisian Republik Indonesia dikembalikan ke bawah Kementerian Dalam Negeri," Sitorus stated. He believes that confining the police to their core functions of public safety and criminal investigation would prevent them from overstepping their mandate in sensitive political arenas.
Adang Daradjatun, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission III, which oversees legal and security matters, urged for a more measured and comprehensive approach. He stressed the need for thorough academic study and public discourse before making any drastic changes to the existing Police Law.
"Saya tidak akan menjawab setuju atau tidak setuju. Perlu kajian yang mendalam dalam mengubah suatu UU, dengan membuat naskah akademik dan RUU disertai pendapat umum, seminar, dan sebagainya," he stated, resisting any hasty decisions based on media pronouncements.
Adang pointed to his own involvement in drafting the current Police Law, emphasizing the lengthy and meticulous process involved. "Saya selaku Ketua Tim Reformasi Polri-1997/1998, bersama-sama perwira tinggi Polri lainnya dan staf, dalam membuat UU 2/2002, melampaui suatu proses panjang mulai dibuatnya ‘Buku Biru: Reformasi Polri, Menuju Polri yang Profesional’ sampai disetujuinya UU Nomor 2/2002 tentang Polri oleh pemerintah dan DPR RI," he recalled.
The debate highlights Indonesia’s ongoing balancing act between ensuring effective law enforcement and safeguarding against potential abuse of power. As discussions unfold, the nation will be watching closely to see how this critical topic will ultimately shape the future of its police force.
2024-11-30 12:46:00
#Polri #Bawah #Presiden #Seperti #Saat #Ini #Memudahkan #Kontrol
## Placing indonesia’s Police Under Civilian Control: A Debate Heats Up
**Introduction:**
A major debate is unfolding in Indonesia regarding the structural placement of its police force. Currently, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) falls under the direct control of the president.However, this delicate balance of power is being challenged by those advocating for a shift to civilian oversight. Concerns about openness, accountability, and potential for political bias have fueled this movement, sparking heated discussions about the best mechanism for ensuring the police serve the interests of the Indonesian people while maintaining national security.
**Expert interview:**
To shed light on this complex debate, **World Today News** sat down with **Dr. Dewi Fortuna Anwar**,a senior researcher at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and a renowned expert on Indonesian politics and governance.
**World Today News:** Dr. Anwar, thank you for joining us. Could you elaborate on the arguments for and against placing the Indonesian police under civilian control?
**Dr. Anwar:** The current system, with the president directly controlling the police, certainly offers advantages in terms of swift decision-making and streamlining security responses. It allows for a clear chain of command and ensures accountability directly to the executive branch.Though, the potential for political influence and the lack of self-reliant oversight raise concerns about the police’s neutrality and impartiality.
**World Today News:** We’ve heard some concerns about the potential for instability if the police were to fall under civilian control.Do you share these concerns?
**Dr. Anwar:** It’s important to remember that civilian control doesn’t necessarily mean removing the police from the president’s authority entirely. Models exist where civilian oversight bodies, with representatives from diverse backgrounds, play a meaningful role in policy-making, budgetary control, and investigating misconduct allegations. This approach aims to balance security needs with democratic principles and public trust.
**World Today News:** what are some potential models for civilian oversight that could be adapted to the Indonesian context?
**Dr. Anwar:** Several successful models exist globally, each with its unique characteristics. For example, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Hong Kong, known for its independence and effectiveness in combating corruption, could serve as inspiration. In other countries, parliamentary select committees or independent ombudsman offices play a crucial role in ensuring police accountability.
**World Today News:** What are the potential benefits of establishing a civilian oversight system for the Indonesian police?
**Dr. Anwar:** A robust civilian oversight mechanism could enhance transparency and accountability within the police force, leading to greater public trust and legitimacy. It could also help prevent abuses of power, promote adherence to human rights standards, and ensure that the police serve the interests of all citizens rather than those in power.
**World Today News:** Dr. Anwar, thanks for sharing your insightful perspective on this crucial issue.
**Conclusion:**
The debate surrounding the placement of Indonesia’s police will undoubtedly continue.Finding a solution that balances national security with democratic accountability is a delicate task. While the current system offers advantages in terms of efficiency, the potential for political bias and lack of independent oversight raise concerns. As Indonesia navigates this complex issue,considering models from other countries and fostering open dialog between all stakeholders will be essential in determining the best path forward.
