Boni Hargens: Polri’s Human-Centered Approach Strengthens Social and Political Stability

Senior political observer Boni Hargens (Ist)

JAKARTA - Senior political analyst Boni Hargens expressed optimism about the ability of the National Police to maintain public security and order amid the increasing wave of demonstrations that occurred in a number of areas in mid-June 2026.

According to Boni, the recent demonstrations are part of the democratic rights of citizens that must be respected. However, he reminded the importance of seeing the situation proportionally by considering the challenges that the government is currently facing in managing the economic conditions and global dynamics.

"It is indeed the democratic right of citizens to protest. However, we must also be fair to admit that the government is working hard to overcome the difficulties that arise as an implication of geopolitical conflicts and instability," said Boni Hargens in Jakarta, Monday, June 15.

The political science lecturer assessed that the economic pressure felt by many countries today cannot be separated from the global geopolitical conditions of uncertainty. Therefore, according to him, the government needs space to carry out various policy adjustment steps to maintain national stability.

However, Boni emphasized that the government must still be responsive to various criticisms and aspirations that are developing in society.

"However, the government must be more responsive to all forms of criticism from the public to show respect for public aspirations and deliberations," he said.

On that occasion, Boni also appreciated the approach applied by the National Police under the leadership of National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo in escorting various demonstrations.

According to him, the police are currently showing a more humanistic and democratic approach so that various mass actions can take place relatively orderly without significant escalation of violence.

"Humanist police are very needed in tense situations like this to maintain social-political stability as a prerequisite for the government to implement policies that are relevant to community conditions," he said.

Boni assessed that the handling of the demonstration action, which was carried out professionally, reflected a balance between the duty to maintain public order and respect for the civil rights of citizens.

According to him, these two principles do not need to be conflicted in a healthy democratic system.

"The Polri's measured approach reflects a balance between maintaining public order and respecting the civil rights of citizens," he said.

He added that a mature democracy actually requires space for criticism, protest, and public participation as part of the process of refining government policies.

"Democratic politics actually always opens up space and respects criticism and protests from the public to enrich the information that must be processed by policymakers in order to overcome existing problems," said Boni.

Boni Hargens made this statement in response to the wave of demonstrations carried out by a number of student groups and civil society in mid-June 2026, including actions that carried the theme "Towards a bankrupt Indonesia".

According to Boni, as long as all parties still respect the rule of law and the principles of democracy, differences of opinion between the government and the public can be part of a healthy democratic process while strengthening the quality of public policy making.