Police Reform Must Be Based On Human Rights, Transparency, And Public Accountability

Illustration of members of Brimob Polri (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission XIII DPR RI, Andreas Hugo Pareira responded to President Prabowo Subianto's plan to inaugurate the Police Reform Committee, this week. Andreas emphasized that Polri reform must focus on protecting human rights (HAM), transparency, and public accountability.

"The Police's reform is not just a bureaucratic restructuring, but a fundamental change in organizational governance and culture. This must ensure that the rights of citizens, especially vulnerable groups, are protected in real terms," Andreas told reporters, Tuesday, October 7.

Andreas welcomed the involvement of a number of independent figures who were said to be included in the National Police Reform Committee such as Mahfud MD, Yusril Ihza Mahendra and Jimly Asshiddiqie. According to him, their presence is the hope of strengthening external control over the Police.

"Especially in reviewing operational practices and internal policies that have an impact on the rights of citizens," said the PDIP legislator from the NTT I electoral district.

Even so, Andreas reminded the potential risks of the dualism of supervision, especially with the presence of the Police Reform Transformation Team which contained 52 police officers, ranging from guards to members.

"The presence of active officers in the reform team has the potential to cause bias and reduce the effectiveness of reform and protection of public rights," Andreas explained.

Furthermore, the leadership of the DPR's Human Rights Commission underlined that reforms must target the root of the problem. For example, the culture of violence and police domination in the investigation process, as well as the lack of adequate checking and balances mechanisms.

"Public transparency and accountability must be the main foundation in this reform. The public has the right to know how the mechanism for monitoring and taking action against Polri members is running," he explained.

Andreas also emphasized the importance of Polri professionalism so that this institution can focus on public services and fair law enforcement.

"We remind the importance of the National Police regardless of political and militaristic practices so that they can truly serve the community professionally," said Andreas.

Andreas also emphasized that the Police Reform Committee must serve as an independent instrument that maintains public rights, ensures justice, and prevents abuse of power.

"The success of reform will be measured from the protection of human rights, legal certainty, and public trust, not just formal reports or political rhetoric," Andreas concluded.