Indonesian Parliament Greenlights Police in Civil Posts: Legal Shift or Autocratic Drift?

The Indonesian parliament has revised the national police law, allowing police officers to assume roles in civilian government positions without resigning from their posts. This move follows previous military law changes under President Prabowo Subianto, raising concerns about the increasing military and police presence in civilian affairs.

The Indonesian parliament has passed significant amendments to the national police law, permitting active police officers to occupy civilian government posts. This change comes after similar adjustments to the military law, reflecting President Prabowo Subianto's strategic integration of military and police roles in his government.

The revised law allows serving police personnel to take up roles in state institutions or ministries without resigning from the National Police. It targets positions connected to public security, law enforcement, and public service, paving the way for increased police involvement in government functions.

Critics, including Amnesty International Indonesia and the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation, warn that these reforms undermine constitutional rulings and may erode police professionalism and meritocracy within the civil service. Concerns of authoritarian tendencies also surface as security forces gain a foothold in civilian administration.