The uproar over the change of the National Police Chief, observers remind that strategic decisions must be based on national interests

JAKARTA - In the midst of the growing rumor of a change in the National Police Chief, legal and political observer Pieter C Zulkifli reminded the public's attention that it should not stop at who will come or who will go.

Far more important is ensuring that every state's strategic decision remains rooted in meritocracy, that is, an appreciation of track record, integrity, and achievement.

He also reviewed why the courage to carry out reforms, consistency in enforcing the law, and the achievements of General Listyo Sigit Prabowo during his leadership of the National Police should be an objective consideration in the midst of political dynamics and national security.

"In a country that upholds meritocracy, a leader should not be judged by the noise of rumors, but by his track record, courage, and dedication to the nation," said Pieter Zulkifli in his statement, Tuesday, August 11.

He agreed that rumors about the replacement of the National Police Chief were back on the agenda. In the public space, he said, the issue is developing quickly, even often preceding the facts.

In a democratic country, he said, the replacement of public officials is a natural thing because it is the prerogative of the President. However, this right does not eliminate the importance of one basic principle, namely that every strategic decision of the state should be based on the track record, integrity, and national interests, not solely on the noise of political speculation.

"In this context, the public deserves to judge clearly. Is the track record of General Police Listyo Sigit Prabowo's leadership for more than five years indeed showing failure, or does it present achievements that deserve to be considered by the state? This question is important to be answered objectively, because meritocracy will only live when achievements are placed above perceptions," he said.

The former Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives then quoted the Greek philosopher Aristotle who once said, 'The whole is greater than the sum of its parts'. An institution cannot be judged only from the mistakes of some of its members.

"Likewise, the National Police. In the midst of various criticisms that continue to accompany, this institution still carries the great responsibility of maintaining security, enforcing the law, and ensuring that national stability is maintained," he said.

He said that since being inaugurated on January 27, 2021, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has carried out the concept of Precision Police (Predictive, Responsibility, and Transparent Justice). According to him, this idea is not just a slogan, but an institutional reform direction that encourages the digitization of public services, increased transparency, strengthening the professionalism of the apparatus, and updating police governance to be more adaptive to community developments.

However, the leadership of a National Police Chief is not only measured when the situation is normal. The real test comes when the institution faces a crisis of confidence. "The murder case of Brigadier J, which dragged Irjen Ferdy Sambo, became one of the most difficult tests in the history of the modern National Police. At that time, not a few parties doubted whether this institution was able to clean its own house," he said.

"The answer then can be seen through the legal process that runs until it is completed. A number of high-ranking officers have been sanctioned both ethically and criminally. Not long after, the former West Sumatra Police Chief Teddy Minahasa was also processed in the narcotics case," he continued.

For Pieter Zulkifli, these steps certainly do not eliminate all the problems in the body of the National Police. However, at least the public witnessed that there was no longer an absolute impression that the top officials of the institution were above the law.

The courage to process internal cases is not the only indicator of leadership. Previously, while serving as Head of the Criminal Investigation Agency (Kabareskrim), Listyo Sigit managed to arrest fugitive corruption Djoko Tjandra who had escaped from law enforcement for years.

"The track record shows consistency in handling major cases that are of public concern," he said.

On the other hand, Pieter Zulkifli revealed that the transformation of the National Police was also seen through the strengthening of the eradication of cybercrime, human trafficking, online gambling, and the establishment of the Employment Desk which received appreciation from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) because it was considered to open a better protection space for workers.

At the same time, the National Police also supports various national strategic agendas, ranging from investment security to food security programs. All of this shows that the police function continues to adapt to the increasingly complex security challenges.

"Of course, criticism of the National Police is still needed. There are still problems of abuse of authority, violence by individuals, and uneven quality of public services. Healthy criticism is actually energy for institutional reform. However, criticism should not turn into the elimination of all achievements that have been achieved," he said.

Pieter Zulkifli again quoted the French philosopher Voltaire who reminded, 'The perfect is the enemy of the good'. Waiting for an institution to be perfect before acknowledging its progress is at risk of hindering the reform itself. He believes that no law enforcement agency in any country is completely free from problems. What makes the difference is the courage to continue to improve.

He emphasized that no one doubted President Prabowo Subianto's constitutional right to determine who would lead the National Police. This prerogative is part of the constitutional system that must be respected.

However, precisely because the decision is strategic, the measure used should be higher than just the dynamics of public opinion. The country will be more respected if meritocracy becomes the main basis for every leadership change.

"This nation needs a strong, professional, modern, and trusted police. The change of leadership, if indeed necessary, should be part of the strategy to strengthen the institution, not just a response to political pressure or the noise of speculation," he said.

Pieter emphasized that in the end, what must be maintained is not only who becomes the National Police Chief, but the continuity of the Polri reform itself.

Because national security is not built by the sensation of changing positions, but by courageous leadership, institutions that continue to improve, and consistent commitment to enforcing the law fairly.

"Meritocracy is not just a concept in the theory of governance. It is a foundation that ensures the country is led by rational considerations, not by the noise of rumors. Because when achievements are defeated by speculation, what is really at stake is not only the fate of a leader, but the credibility of the country in appreciating work, integrity, and dedication to the nation," he concluded.