Minister proposes civilian roles within police under law revision

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's human rights minister proposed allowing civilian professionals to fill non-operational positions within the national police as part of revisions to the country's police law aimed at supporting reform efforts.

“Civilians could be assigned to administrative, finance, inspectorate or human resource units unrelated to core police duties,” the minister said in response to media questions.

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai said in Jakarta on Friday that placing civilians in strategic, non-operational roles reflects practices increasingly adopted in modern democracies.

He said the proposal could support police reforms aimed at creating a more professional, modern and democratic police force.

Pigai said the proposal was based partly on the need to create reciprocal governance, given the longstanding practice of police officers serving in civilian institutions.

“Since police officers have long served in ministries and state institutions, civilians should also be able to fill important positions within the police,” Pigai said.

However, he stressed that a merit-based system must be enforced to ensure strategic positions are filled by qualified personnel.

Pigai said broader civilian participation could provide the police with greater governance expertise, improve efficiency and increase public involvement in administration.

The Human Rights Ministry also called for inclusive discussions on the law revision involving government institutions, parliament, academics and civil society groups.

“The goal is not only structural change but ensuring police are managed more professionally and accountably while upholding human rights, legal principles and democratic values,” he said.

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Translator: Devi Nindy, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Rahmad Nasution

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