Direct Appointment of Police Chief by President Seen as Undemocratic
JAKARTA - The Greater Indonesia Youth Front (FPIR) highlighted the discourse of the National Police Reform Committee which proposed the President's direct appointment of the National Police Chief position. According to FPIR, the proposal is not democratic because it negates the role of the DPR which is a representation of the people to elect the National Police Chief.
"I view that this issue should be a constructive dialogue. Because this discourse will make (legislative) no longer a function of the National Police Chief's check and balance in the future and it will affect the governance of democracy," said the Chairman of FPIR, Fauzan Ohorella to reporters, Friday 12 December.
Fauzan considered that the direct appointment plan of the National Police Chief was not necessarily a form of abuse of power. However, he said, the discourse still contains potential that needs to be anticipated so as not to weaken the principles of civil supremacy and democratic governance that have been going well so far.
Therefore, FPIR encourages the government and the DPR to have in-depth discussions, involve experts, and consider input from civil society before making any decisions. Fauzan assessed that a thorough study could also stop wild speculation over the issue.
"Polri adalah institusi negara, bukan alat kepentingan politik. Karena itu, setiap proses pengangkatan Kapolri harus tetap menjaga kepercayaan publik, transparansi, dan akuntabilitas," tandas Fauzan.
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Furthermore, Fauzan said that his party believed that strengthening the leadership of the National Police would run optimally if it was supported by a measurable, democratic mechanism, and put the interests of the nation and the principles of civil supremacy above short-term political interests.
"We invite all stakeholders to interpret this issue with a cool head, ensuring that every step taken remains within the corridor of democracy and strengthens the Polri institution as a protector and protector of the community," concluded Fauzan.