Cultural Reform Seen as Key to Fixing the Police, Not Replacing the Police Chief

Illustration of members of the National Police (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The public's encouragement to fix the Indonesian National Police (Polri) has continued to strengthen in recent times. Various proposals have emerged, ranging from the reposition of the National Police structure to the pressure to replace the National Police Chief. However, the Director of Indonesian Political Houses, Fernando Emas, assessed that the main focus was not on changing the structure or changing the helms.

Fernando emphasized that the internal problems of the National Police cannot be resolved only by moving the institution or replacing the National Police Chief. He assessed that the National Police is an important pillar of the state that plays a central role in maintaining security, enforcing the law, and providing services to the community. Therefore, improvements must be carried out appropriately and touch the root of the problem.

"If you really want to fix the Police, it must be understood correctly what is fundamental and must be corrected immediately. This is not as simple as some parties think," Fernando said in his statement, Monday, December 1.

He said the National Police had shown a positive response to public demands, one of which was through the formation of the National Police Reform Transformation Team by the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. The team is considered important to map the problem and formulate strategic improvement steps.

Although a number of performance improvements have been seen, Fernando assessed that there are still fundamental issues that must be addressed. According to him, currently the Police do not need structural reposition or changes to the National Police Chief, but cultural reforms within the institution.

He outlined several aspects of organizational culture that need to be addressed, ranging from increasing transparency in recruitment and placement of positions, taking firm action against members who commit violations, to implementing consistent rewards and punishments. Fernando also highlighted the low speed of public service, which is often compared to the rapid response of firefighters.

"Accountability must be an important measure in institutional governance. All levels of the National Police must also improve morality, have the same intention and spirit to provide the best service and maintain the good name of the institution," he said.

Fernando reminded that the spirit of improvement must be carried out sincerely and without a hidden agenda that can weaken the National Police as a strategic institution for the state.

"The National Police requires cultural reform, not reposition or just changing the National Police Chief," said Fernando.