Polri Bill Sets Conditions for Becoming a Police Officer, Minimum High School Graduate

Government representative in the Working Committee (Panja) meeting of the Draft Law (RUU) on Amendments to Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the National Police / ANTARA / Fath Putra Mulya

JAKARTA - The draft law (RUU) on the Amendment to Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the National Police still maintains the rules for becoming a police officer with a minimum of high school graduates (SMA).

The policy was discussed in a meeting of the Working Committee (Panja) of the Police Bill held by Commission III of the DPR RI with the government at the DPR building, Jakarta, Monday, June 8.

Deputy Minister of Law Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej said the proposed Article 21 paragraph (1) letter d reads, "To be appointed as a member of the National Police, a candidate must meet the requirements of at least a minimum of high school education or equivalent."

In addition to having a minimum high school diploma, there are eight other requirements to become a police officer, namely Indonesian citizens, believing and fearing God Almighty, and being loyal to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia based on Pancasila and the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia in 1945.

Then, at least 18 years of age, physically and mentally healthy, never imprisoned, honest, fair, and good behavior, and have passed the education and training of police officers organized by the National Police.

It was also agreed in the bill that Indonesian citizens with disabilities can be appointed as members of the National Police as long as they have the required competence.

Member of Commission III of the DPR Hinca Pandjaitan had questioned the basis for regulating the minimum requirement to become a police officer with a high school diploma. He highlighted the discourse that has developed in society to increase the minimum requirement to a bachelor's degree (S-1).

"There is a desire for education for friends in the police, because there are so many good educations, the level is at least S-1. Is there an explanation from the government as to why they are still the lowest educated high school or equivalent?" asked Hinca.

Head of the Legal Division (Kadivkum) of the National Police, Inspector General Agus Nugroho, explained that the requirements were maintained based on the results of internal analysis and evaluation of the National Police for the formation of soldiers.

However, Agus said that the minimum education requirement of a bachelor's degree was still accommodated through the Police Inspector School for the formation of officers.

"So, there is another education. That is why here we use the term formation. The formation of soldiers, the formation of officers. One is sourced from high school, the other is sourced from a bachelor's degree," explained Agus.