JAKARTA - The discussion on placing the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia (Polri) under the ministry has triggered a wave of rejection from various parties, including student activists.
The General Chairman of the Indonesian Muslim Student Association (SEMMI), Bintang Wahyu Saputra, firmly said that the idea was contrary to the spirit of reform.
According to him, moving the position of the National Police to the ministry is the same as betraying the long struggle in reorganizing the Indonesian constitutional system.
"This discourse is the same as denying the mandate of reform. This is a step backwards in our constitutional system," Bintang said in an official statement in Jakarta, Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Bintang reminded the historical record when the National Police and the TNI were once under the same roof under the ABRI institution.
He emphasized that the separation of the two institutions was the fruit of a reform movement to realize democratic and professional security governance.
If the National Police is placed under the ministry, Bintang is worried that there will be a political intervention space that can damage the independence of law enforcement in the country.
"Reform has placed the National Police as a state tool, not a tool of power. This principle must be maintained together," he added.
The previous similar rejection was also conveyed in a frontal manner by the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, in a working meeting with Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Monday (26/1).
In front of the representatives of the people and the ranks of the Police Chief of Indonesia, the National Police Chief emphasized his attitude to continue to maintain the dignity of the Bhayangkara institution under the direct command of the President.
"I emphasize that in front of you and all the ranks, that I reject the police under the ministry," said Sigit in a firm tone.
For the National Police Chief, placing the National Police under a ministry has the potential to weaken the state and limit the institution's quick action in providing protection and public services.
He assessed that the current position of the National Police was ideal to support the President's tasks directly without bureaucratic layers.
"So when the President needs us, we can move without having ministries that then create the potential for a twin sun in my opinion," added General Sigit.
The debate on the structural position of the National Police is now in the public spotlight, placing great hope on the sustainability of police professionalism as the leading guard of domestic security.
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