Civilian Appointments in Police Forces Are Common Abroad, Says Pigai

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has defended his proposal to allow civilians to hold certain positions within the Indonesian National Police, arguing that the idea is consistent with civilian oversight models adopted in many developed countries.

Pigai said the proposal is aimed at strengthening professionalism and accountability within the police force, particularly in non-operational roles such as finance, technology development, human resources, and management.

According to him, many advanced democracies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands, involve civilians in police leadership and oversight structures.

"The positions intended for civilians are those not directly related to core policing duties," Pigai said.

He argued that the policy could also help bridge longstanding tensions over the role of civilians and security institutions in Indonesia. In his view, allowing civilians to serve in administrative and managerial positions within the police would reduce institutional barriers while promoting fairness and professionalism.

Pigai also suggested that civilians working within the police organization should have opportunities to advance through the civil service system based on merit.

The minister said he is prepared to work with legal and governance experts to formulate the proposal before submitting it to the National Police and the House of Representatives (DPR). He described the initiative as part of broader efforts to reform the police institution.

The proposal comes as lawmakers prepare to deliberate revisions to the Police Law, which has been included in the 2026 National Legislative Program.

Among the proposed amendments is an increase in the retirement age for police personnel. The draft revision would raise the retirement age for non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel to 58, with a possible extension to 60 years when necessary. Officers would retire at 60, while those with specialized expertise could serve until the age of 62.

Deputy Law Minister Eddy Hiariej said the government and the House have agreed on 20 key issues to be discussed during deliberations on the Police Law revision.

Speaking after a meeting of the task force on the bill at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta, Eddy said the government had identified 112 issues from the DPR's draft proposal, including permanent, editorial, substantive, and newly introduced provisions.

Of those, only 20 issues, comprising 12 substantive matters and eight new provisions, will be included in the upcoming discussions.

Meanwhile, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said Pigai's proposal was a legitimate policy idea that deserved consideration. However, he stressed that lawmakers and the government must carefully weigh its advantages, disadvantages, and practical necessity before moving forward.

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