The National Police Chief Straighten The Prohibition Of Media Broadcasting Police Arrogance, Actually They Only Want The Police To Improve

National Police Chief General Idham Azis (Photo: Indonesian Police Public Relations)

JAKARTA - National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, has revoked the telegram number ST/750/IV/HUM.3.4.5./2021 regarding the prohibition of broadcasting police arrogance. This was done after hearing and absorbing the aspirations of community groups.

Sigit explained that the initial intention and enthusiasm was from the making of the telegram letter. He asked the police not to act arrogantly or carry out their duties not in accordance with the applicable standard operating procedures (SOP).

Therefore, Sigit instructed all police personnel to continue to act decisively but also to prioritize the humanist side in upholding the law in society.

"My directive wants the Police to appear firm but humanist, but we see on the media that there are still many arrogant displays of members, therefore please help members to be more careful in behaving in the field," said Sigit in his written statement, Jakarta, Tuesday, 6 April.

Sigit emphasized that the behavior of members of the police has always been highlighted by the community. Therefore, Sigit reminded, an act of arrogance by the police could damage the image of the Police, which is currently trying to be better and more professional.

"Because all members' behavior will definitely be highlighted, because there are some acts of arrogant individuals, damaging an institution, so I ask them to make directions so that members are more careful when appearing in the field, don't like to show off their excesses and even look arrogant, it is still often seen that members appear arrogant in broadcast coverage in the media, things like that should be improved so that the members' appearance will look better, firm but humanist," said Sigit.

Sigit stated that in the telegram that had appeared earlier, it turned out that there were differences in interpretation with media crews or members of the press. The misperception, in this case, is not that the media prohibits covering police arrogance in the field.

However, according to Sigit, the true spirit of the telegram is the personal of the police personnel themselves who should not act arrogantly.

"So on this occasion, I will straighten out, I ask the members to improve themselves not to appear arrogant but to improve themselves so that they appear assertive, but still look humanist. It does not prohibit the media from recording or taking pictures of members who are arrogant or commit violations," Sigit said.

Sigit emphasized that until now, the internal Bhayangkara Corps still needs criticism and suggestions from all elements of society. Thus, the role of the media as a pillar of democracy will continue to be respected by the Police.

With humility, Sigit also apologized to the whole community because of the difference in perceptions related to the telegram.

"Because we the National Police also need input and correction from external to be able to correct our shortcomings. Therefore, I have ordered the Head of Public Relations Division to revoke the STR," said Sigit.

"And once again apologize for the misinterpretation that inconveniences the partners from media, once again we always need corrections from media and external colleagues to improve the National Police's institution so that it can be better," concluded Sigit.