Indonesian lawmakers unanimously approved changes to the nation’s police law Tuesday, enabling active police officers to take positions within civilian government agencies without stepping down from their law enforcement roles.
The legislative changes follow similar revisions to military law passed one year earlier, which opened additional civilian positions to soldiers.
Since assuming the presidency in 2024, Prabowo Subianto has broadened the military’s involvement in civilian matters, utilizing armed forces to support his wide-reaching free meal programs and food independence initiatives, which have also included police participation.
The former special forces commander has placed high-ranking police and military personnel in key administrative roles throughout his government.
Parliamentary members approved the legislation during a full session without opposition.
The revised law permits active police officers to accept appointments to other government institutions or ministries beyond the National Police, including civilian roles, provided these positions align with police duties and responsibilities, according to the bill text reviewed by Reuters.
These roles encompass responsibilities tied to public safety and order, law enforcement, protection, community care and public services within ministries or government agencies.
Active officers may also accept positions outside their organization when requested by the president, ministries or government agencies, provided their specialized skills are required.
Sarifuddin Sudding, who serves on the parliamentary committee that reviewed the legislation, explained to Reuters that officers won’t need to resign because the administration requires their specialized knowledge.
“A more responsive and adaptable legal framework is urgent to ensure that National Police can perform their duties effectively,” law minister Supratman Andi Agtas stated during the parliamentary session.
The changes also increase the mandatory retirement age for police officers, including the national chief, by one year.
“The government seems to replicate what they have done with Military Law,” commented Haeril Halim from Amnesty International Indonesia, describing it as “a sign of authoritarianism where defence and security forces are used to back those in power.”
The new law conflicts with a Constitutional Court decision from last year requiring police officers to resign when accepting positions outside the force.
Muhammad Isnur from Indonesia’s Legal Aid Foundation argued that positioning active police officers in ministries and government agencies violates constitutional principles and will damage police professionalism while disrupting career advancement and merit-based systems for civil servants.
