The National Police Chief chooses to be removed rather than having a police minister

JAKARTA - National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo revealed that he had been offered the position as the police minister. However, he emphasized that he rejected the discourse because he considered that placing the National Police under the ministry would weaken the police and state institutions.

This was conveyed by the national police chief during a working meeting with Commission III of the DPR, Monday, January 26. He admitted that he received a number of personal messages asking about his willingness to occupy the post of police minister if the structure of the National Police was under the ministry.

"There are several people who conveyed to me through WA that 'do you want Mr. Kapolri to be the police minister?' In this case, I emphasize in front of you and all the ranks that I reject the police under the ministry," said the police chief.

In fact, General Listyo Sigit stated that he preferred to live as a farmer than to serve as a police minister.

"Even if I become the police minister, I'd rather be a farmer," he continued.

According to the national police chief, the idea of placing the National Police under a ministry has the potential to weaken the police institution, the state, and even the president. Therefore, he instructed all ranks to continue to fight for the position of the National Police to be directly under the president as it is currently in force.

He even conveyed a firm stance if he had to face certain choices in the national police structure.

"If there is a choice whether the police remain under the president or the police remain under the president, but there is a police minister, the national police chief will still lead, I will choose the national police chief alone who will be removed," he said.

During the meeting, the national police chief also touched on the legal basis that regulates the position of the National Police. He explained, Tap MPR Number VII/MPR/2000 Article 7 paragraph (2) explicitly states that the National Police is under the president. Meanwhile, Article 7 paragraph (3) stipulates that the National Police is led by the national police chief who is appointed and dismissed by the president with the consent of the DPR.

"This is of course in line with various kinds of journeys," he said.

Furthermore, the national police chief assessed that Indonesia's vast geographical conditions and large population were strong reasons why the National Police was ideally directly under the president. According to him, this position makes the National Police more flexible and optimal in carrying out its duties.

"With this position, it is ideal for the National Police to be directly under the president, so that in carrying out its duties, the National Police will be more optimal and more flexible," said the national police chief.

The National Police Chief also emphasized that his institution adheres to the doctrine of to serve and protect, namely serving and protecting the community. He emphasized that the National Police has a great responsibility in maintaining public security and order.

"With the existing conditions, the position of the National Police will certainly be very ideal if it remains as it is now," concluded the national police chief.