Law Enforcements Don't Ignore Criticism From The DPR, Legal Expert: Must Be Alert And Evaluate

Photo by Farel Yesha on Unsplash

JAKARTA - The DPR's strict supervision of law enforcers must be a serious concern. Various problems that have dragged law enforcement officers recently have received a strong response from the DPR.

"As a legislative and representative institution for the people, it is appropriate for the DPR RI to give a sharp spotlight on various cases involving law enforcement officers," said Criminal Law Observer from Trisakti University, Abdul Fickar Hadjar, Friday, August 4.

A number of cases involving law enforcement officers have caught the attention of members of the DPR. As recently, Commission III of the DPR highlighted the verdict against a mother selling fried foods around Surabaya who was sentenced to 5 years in prison for receiving a drug package belonging to her child.

Although indirectly helping drug trafficking, the punishment for the mother named Asfiyatun is considered too great because from another point of view, the 60-year-old mother is also a victim of her child's crime. Commission III of the DPR asked law enforcers to consider that justice must also be based on conscience.

Commission III of the DPR also criticized the case of the death of the alleged perpetrator of a drug case allegedly abused by 7 members of the National Police. Although a number of police officers involved have been prosecuted, the Commission in the DPR in charge of legal affairs regretted the incident because the police station should be the safest place because it was guarded by the police for 24 hours.

In mid-June, Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives also reminded the KPK and the National Police to evaluate internal supervision. This follows cases of illegal levies and fraud by individuals at the two law enforcement agencies.

Fickar said the National Police and other law enforcement agencies must be serious in making improvements in response to the supervisory duties carried out by the DPR.

"What the DPR has done is good. Not to mention the DPR's strong supervision in major cases involving law enforcement officials. As an executive supervisor, the DPR has the authority to supervise and reprimand law enforcers in the executive realm, namely the Police, Prosecutors and the KPK," he said.

Meanwhile, for judges, the mechanism for supervision is through the Judicial Commission (KY). With the violations committed by the judges, the DPR can urge KY to seriously supervise the judges," continued Fickar.

He added that the supervision carried out by the DPR could actually be more effective in the future. Because, said Fickar, violations and abuse of power by law enforcement officers have recently only been exposed.

There are many more throughout the area that are not revealed and escape the spotlight. It is better for every member of the council to supervise legal cases in the electoral district or their respective electoral districts such as when monitoring infrastructure, social assistance, or issues in other fields," he said.

By carrying out strict supervision in each region, Fickar assessed that cases of law enforcement violations could be minimized. Through strict supervision from the DPR, law enforcement is expected to improve its performance and image that has fallen in the eyes of the public due to the actions of a handful of its personnel.

What was conveyed and the attitude of the DPR must be used as an alert for law enforcers as part of the evaluation and improvement of performance. Warning from the DPR is also to serve as a reminder so that law enforcers return to the essence of their duties, namely as protectors and protectors of the people," explained Fickar.

Fickar also agreed with a statement from the Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, who asked the police to handle cases that were detrimental to the people without waiting for them to go viral first.

"I agree with the Chairperson of the DPR, do not wait for the case to go viral. There must be a proactive attitude, then initiate and diligently carry out periodic internal evaluations," he said.

"So that all law enforcement officers can carry out their duties professionally," added Fickar.

Previously in the commemoration of the 77th Anniversary of the National Police, the Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, asked all police personnel to work to provide the best service to the people. He also encouraged law enforcers to prioritize restorative justice in cases of minor crimes involving small communities and people from vulnerable groups.

"People hope that the Police can work openly, with justice, and swiftly for all law enforcement without waiting for the viral incident first," said Puan, Saturday (1/7).