Komnas HAM: National Police is a Civilian Organization, but its Public Service Has Issues

Komnas HAM highlighted the task of the National Police in terms of public services which are still considered very problematic.

Indra Gunawan – Bisnis.com November 2nd, 2021 | 10:34 WIB

Bisnis.com, JAKARTA –The National Human Rights Commissioner (Komnas HAM) Amiruddin Al Rahab said that currently Polri is a civilian institution since it separated from the Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia (ABRI) through Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the Police.

However, many within the internal of both the Police and civil society seem to forget this.

“Many people forget that before the new Police Law in 2002, the Police were ABRI. What does ABRI mean, he is the same and congruent with the armed forces," said Amiruddin in a virtual discussion held by Imparsial, Monday (1/11) night.

He said that the separation of the Indonesian National Police from the Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia (ABRI), which is now known as the TNI, should turn it into a civilian institution with a satisfying public service culture.

“As soon as the law changes, the position of the National Police today is that of a civil organization. This is something that needs to be mutually agreed upon," he said.

With the change in status, said Amiruddin, even though they are armed, members of the National Police are law enforcement agencies, so they should have a different culture from the armed forces. Therefore, he said, the use of weapons should be the last alternative in law enforcement.

While referring to the Policing Law, Amiruddin highlighted three main tasks of the National Police. Each of them is law enforcement, public services, and handling in conflict areas, such as Poso, Papua, and several other areas.

Among the three, Amiruddin especially highlighted the task of the National Police in terms of public services. According to him, the public's anger towards the National Police in recent times is the peak of frustration with the Public Service of the Police which is considered not very satisfactory for the community.

"If you don't realize this, there are a lot of things like yesterday. Starting from Parigi, Medan, Tangerang. In fact, East Borneo is just like that. Someone suspected of stealing a cellphone, was arrested by the police the next day and died. How problematic is the public service,” said Amiruddin.

Amiruddin assessed that the discourse of reform in the Bhayangkara Corps could only be done in two ways. First, improve the integrity of members; second, the Police are able to explain their main tasks to the public.

According to him, the public's anger in recent times should be a momentum for the improvement of the Police from within.

On the other hand, this anger also shows the community's hope that the Police can change," he said.