President Prabowo to Inaugurate Police Reform Commission This Week Amid Public Demands

Inauguration Scheduled for This Week

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to inaugurate the Police Reform Commission later this week. The announcement was made by the Minister of State Secretariat, Prasetyo Hadi, on Sunday, October 5, 2025, though the exact date of the inauguration remains undisclosed. Hadi stated that the commission members would be sworn in by the President at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.

Addressing Calls for Police Accountability

The establishment of the Police Reform Commission comes in response to persistent public demands for comprehensive reforms within the Indonesian National Police (Polri). Civil society groups and public figures have increasingly called for greater accountability and an end to alleged human rights violations and a 'culture of violence' within the institution.

Recent events, including the death of Affan Kurniawan during protests in August 2025, have intensified these calls, making police reform a central public concern. President Prabowo had previously met with the Gerakan Nurani Bangsa (National Conscience Movement or GNB), an interfaith coalition, on September 11, 2025, where he welcomed proposals for police evaluation and reform.

Commission's Mandate and Proposed Members

The newly formed commission is tasked with formulating recommendations for significant changes within the National Police. These recommendations are intended to be submitted to the President and will eventually be incorporated into a revision of Law Number 2 of 2002 on the National Police, a law that has been in place for over two decades and is deemed in need of an update to reflect current conditions and public expectations.

The commission is expected to comprise approximately nine members. Several prominent legal experts have been mentioned as potential members or have expressed their willingness to join, including former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD and former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Jimly Asshiddiqie. Additionally, Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has also indicated his participation. The technical specifics regarding the commission's structure, full membership, and operational mechanisms are expected to be announced by the Palace at a later date.

Historical Context of Police Reform Efforts

Efforts to reform the Indonesian police force have a long history, particularly since the separation of the police from the military in 1999, a move intended to democratize security forces. Despite these past initiatives, challenges such as systemic corruption, a militaristic culture, and issues of accountability have persisted. The current commission represents a renewed commitment by the government to address these deep-seated issues and foster a more professional and accountable police institution.