Indonesian National Police

Indonesian National Police Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia
Crest of Indonesian National Police
Abbreviation	POLRI
Motto	Sanskrit: Rastra Sewakottama (Serving the Nation)
Agency overview
Formed	1 July 1946; 75 years ago (1946-07-01)
Employees	590,000+[citation needed]
Jurisdictional structure
National agency (Operations jurisdiction)	Indonesia
Operations jurisdiction	Indonesia
Legal jurisdiction	National
Constituting instrument	Act No. 2 of 2002 on State Police[1]
General nature	Civilian police
Operational structure
Headquarters	Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta
Agency executives	Pol. Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Chief of Indonesian National Police Pol. Com. Gen.  [id], Vice Chief of Indonesian National Police
Notables
Anniversary	1 July
Website
www.polri.go.id

The Indonesian National Police (Indonesian: Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia, literally The State Police of the Republic of Indonesia, abbreviated as POLRI) is the national law enforcement and police force of Indonesia. Founded on 1 July 1946, it was formerly a part of the country's military since 1962. The police were formally separated from the armed forces on 1 April 1999 in a process which was formally completed on 1 July 2000.^[2]

The organisation is now independent and is under the direct auspices of the President of Indonesia. The Indonesian National Police is responsible for law enforcement and policing duties all over Indonesia. The Indonesian National Police is responsible for law enforcement and policing duties all over Indonesia. The organisation is widely known for its corruption, violence and incompetence.^[3]

The Indonesian National Police also takes part in international United Nations missions, and after special training, provided security for the UNAMID mission to protect internally-displaced people in Darfur.^[4]

In total, per 2020 the total personnel that the Indonesian National Police possesses is 440.000,^[5] and the number is increasing every year, it includes 14.000 Brimob personnel,^[6] with up-to 7.000 water and aviation police personnel.^[7] Polri is also assisted by an estimated 1 million members of Senkom Mitra Polri volunteers throughout the country which are civilians that assist the police.^[8]

The headquarters of the Indonesian National Police is located in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta and the Indonesian National Police hotline-emergency number is 110 which serves all over Indonesia 24 hours.^[9]

History[]

While Indonesia was under Dutch colonial rule, police duties were performed either by military establishments or the colonial police known as the veldpolitie, or field police.^[10] Japanese occupation during WW II brought changes when the Japanese formed various armed organisations to support their war effort. This led to militarily trained youths being armed with confiscated Dutch arms to perform police duties.

After the Japanese occupation, the national police became an armed organisation.^{[citation needed]} The Indonesian police was established on 19 August 1945 (under the title of the National Police Agency (Badan Kepolisian Negara)) and its units fought in the Indonesian National Revolution against the invading Dutch forces. The police also participated in suppressing the 1948 communist revolt in Madiun. In 1962, the police was brought under the control of the Commander of the National Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence, becoming the Indonesian Police Forces (Angkatan Kepolisian). Following the proclamation of independence, the police played a vital role when they actively supported the people's movement to dismantle the Japanese army, and to strengthen the defence of the newly created Republic of Indonesia. The police were not combatants who were required to surrender their weapons to the Allied Forces. During the revolution of independence, the police gradually formed into what is now known as Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia (Polri) or the Indonesian National Police. In April 1999, the police force officially regained its independence and now is separate from the armed forces proper.

1 July, which is marked as National Police Day (Hari Bhayangkara), honours the anniversary of the 1946 Cabinet resolution placing the INP as a national agency subordinated directly to the government of the Republic and thus responsible to the President (formerly the Prime Minister).

Duties and tasks[]

The key tasks of the Indonesian National Police are to:

• maintain security and public order;
• enforce the law, and
• provide protection, and service to the community.

In carrying out these basic tasks, Police are to:

• perform control, guard, escort and patrol of the community and government activities as needed;
• supplying all activities to ensure the safety and smoothness of traffic on the road;
• to develop community awareness;
• as well as in the development of national law;
• implement order and ensure public safety;
• implement co-ordination, supervision, and technical guidance to the investigators, civil servants/authorities, and the forms of private security;
• implement the investigation against all criminal acts in accordance with the criminal procedure law and other legislation;
• implement identification such as police medical operations, psychology, and police forensic laboratory for the interests of the police task;
• Protect soul safety, property, society, and the environment from disturbances and/or disaster, including providing aid and relief to uphold human rights;
• Serving interests of citizens for a while before it is handled by the agency and/or authorities;
• Give services to the public in accordance with the interests of the police task environment;
• to implement other duties in accordance with the legislation, which in practice regulated by Government Regulation;
• Receive reports and/or complaints;
• crowd and public control;
• help resolve community disputes that may interfere with the public order;
• supervising the flow that can lead to the dismemberment or threaten the unity of the nation;
• publicising police regulations within the scope of police administrative authority;
• implementing special examination as part of the police identification;
• respond first and rapid action to a scene;
• Take the identity, fingerprints and photograph of a person for identification purposes;
• looking for information and evidence;
• organising National Crime Information Centre;
• issuing licence and / or certificate that is required to service the community;
• Give security assistance in the trial and execution of court decisions, the activities of other agencies, as well as community activities; and
• to Receive, secure, and keep founded lost items for a while until further identification

Organisation[]

The organisation of the Indonesian National Police is hierarchical, culminating on the general headquarters in Kebayoran Baru. Below are the hierarchical police headquarters throughout Indonesia:

• Regional Police (Indonesian: Kepolisian Daerah, POLDA) which covers an entire province and is headed by a two-star police general (Inspector General). It was formerly known as Police Commissariats (Kepolisian Komisariat), Regional Police Commands (Komando Daerah Kepolisan, KOMDAK) and Territorial Police (Polisi Wilayah).
• Departamental Police (Indonesian: Kepolisian Resor, POLRES) which covers a city or regency (Kabupaten) and is usually headed by a police officer holding the rank of Police Chief Commissioner (three-jasmine flower insignia) for urban areas and a Police Deputy Chief Commissioner (two-jasmine flower insignia) for rural areas. It was formerly known as Police Area Directorates (Korem Polisi)
• Sectoral Police (Indonesian: Kepolisian Sektor, POLSEK) which covers a district (Kecamatan) and is usually headed by a police officer holding the rank of Police Commissioner (one-jasmine flower insignia) for urban areas and a Police Deputy Commissioner (three golden stripes insignia) for rural areas, in Papua there are Polseks which are headed by Junior Police Inspectors (two to one golden stripes insignia).
  • Community Police Officers (Indonesian: Bhayangkara Pembina Keamanan dan Ketertiban Masyarakat, abbreviated BhabinKamtibmas literally meaning "People's Security and Order Supervising Officer") are senior NCOs/Sub-Inspectors of Police officers which are under the Sectoral Police office which are tasked in mentoring, supervising, and maintaining law and order in a particular smaller community which usually covers an urban village (Kelurahan) and/or a rural village (desa). They are identified by their yellow brassard printed "BHABINKAMTIBMAS" and are tasked to monitor local community activities such as during elections and/or other community gathering occasions.

Leadership element[]

The head of the National Police Headquarters is the Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Indonesian: Kepala Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia, KAPOLRI). The Chief of Police is appointed by and is responsible to the President of Indonesia. He is assisted by the Vice Chief of Police.

Auxiliary elements of leadership[]

• Office of the Inspectorate General of the National Police (Itwasum), tasked to assist the Chief of Police in the implementation of supervision and general inspection and treasury within the National Police including non-structural organizational units under the control of chief of national police.
• Assistant Chief of Police for Operations (As Ops), tasked to assist the Chief of Police in the implementation of operational management functions within the police environment including external coordination and cooperation as well as community empowerment and other Polri auxiliary elements.
• Assistant Chief of Police for Planning and Development (Asrena), tasked to assist the Chief of Police in the implementation of general planning and development functions, including the development of organisational and management systems and research and development within the Indonesian national police.
• Assistant Chief of Police for Human Resources (AS HR), tasked to assist the Chief of Police in the implementation of human resources management functions including efforts to maintain and improve the welfare of personnel within the Indonesian national police.
• Assistant Chief of Police Facilities and Infrastructure (Assarpras), tasked to assist the Chief of Police in the implementation of the function of facilities and infrastructure within the Police.
• Division of Profession and Internal Security (Div Propam), is the special staffing element in the field of professional accountability and internal security. This division acts as the internal affairs of the police organisation in charge of enforcement of discipline and law and order of police personnel.
• Police Legal Division (Div Kum)
• Police Public Affairs and Press Directorate (Div Humas)
• Police International Relations and Transnational Crimes Division (Div Hubinter), is an assistant element of international relations leadership that is under the Chief of Police. This section oversees the National Crime Bureau Interpol (NCB Interpol), to deal with international crimes.
• Police Information Technology Division (IT Pol Div), is a supporting element in the field of informatics which includes information technology and electronic communications.
• Advisory Staff to the Chief of Police (Spripim)
• office of the Secretariat General (Kasetum).
• Headquarters Services (Kayanma).
• Expert staff of the Chief of Police (Staf Ahli Kapolri), tasked to provide a review of a particular problem to the national police chief according to their area of expertise

Central Executive Agencies[]

• Bureau of Intelligence and Security (Baintelkam) is responsible for fostering and performing intelligence functions in the field of security for the purpose of performing the operational and management duties of the national police as well as to support the implementation of government duties in order to realize domestic security.
• The Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) is responsible for fostering and conducting criminal investigation and investigation functions, including the function of forensic laboratory identification, in the context of law enforcement.
• The Security Maintenance Agency (Baharkam) is responsible for fostering and conducting security guidance functions that include the maintenance and efforts to improve the security and public order conditions in order to achieve domestic security.
• The Mobile Brigade Corps (Korbrimob) is in charge of performing security counseling functions particularly with regard to the handling of high-intensity security disturbances, in the framework of enforcement of internal security.
• Traffic Corps (Korlantas) is responsible for fostering and organizing traffic functions that include community education, law enforcement, traffic assessment, registration and identification of drivers and motor vehicles, and conducting road patrols.
• The Police Operations Bureau is tasked with dispatching units of Brimob, Sabhara, Traffic police, Jihandak / Explosive disposal units, if necessary and an intelligence team if there are demonstrations, court hearings, high-level meetings, holiday celebrations by community groups, or inauguration rites as can be ordered by the head of government, the head of state, the chairman of the MPR, or the speakers of the DPR/DPD by sending a letter of assignment to the local Police Operations Bureau, the local Police Operations Bureau and the local Police commands.
• The Special Detachment 88 Anti-Terror unit (Densus 88 AT) is responsible for carrying out intelligence, prevention, investigation, enforcement and operational support functions in the investigation and investigation of terrorism crimes.

Supporting elements[]

• The Police Educational Institutes and Training Command (Lemdiklatpol) is in charge of planning, developing, and organising the function of education and training in formation and development of and to the scope of the Indonesian National Police for ensuring education of recruits or personnel which are specialising in particular policing units which includes the maintaining of professionalism, managerial, academic, and vocational education. The Police Educational Institutes and Training Command is responsible for the operation of the following educational institutions:
  • National Police Staff College (Sespimpol) is the education implementing element and special staff educational institution related to the development of police management and administration within the officer corps. It consists of the National Police Advanced Officers' School (Sespinma) (formerly Selapa), National Police Junior Staff School (Sespimmen) (formerly Sespim) and the National Police Command and Staff Academy (Sespimti) (formerly Sespati).
  • The Police Academy (Akpol) is the element of officer rank formation of Police recruits.
  • Police Science and Technology College (STIK) is a special education and staffing element concerned with higher education and the development of police science and technology.
  • Police Officers Candidate School (Setukpa) is the element of education for the formation of Police Officers to become officer rank originating from enlisted or constable ranks of policemen and policewomen.
  • is the element of education for the establishment of Police Officer Candidates for graduates of bachelor's degree.
  • Police Educational Centres consists of:
    • Special Education and Training of Crime and Violence (Diklatsus Jatanras)
    • Intelligence Education and Training Centre (Pusdikintel)
    • Criminal Investigation Education and Training Centre (Pusdikreskrim)
    • Traffic Enforcement Education and Training Centre (Pusdiklantas)
    • Public Security Education and Training Centre (Pusdikgasum)
    • Mobile Brigade Education and Training School (Pusdikbrimob)
    • Water Police Education and Training Centre (Pusdikpolair)
    • Police Administration Education and Training Centre (Pusdikmin)
    • Police Language College (Sebasa)
    • Women's Police School (Sepolwan)
    • Community Developing Education and Training Institute (Pusdikbinmas)
• Police Logistics, Equipment and Armaments Command
• Medical and Health Department (Pusdokkes Polri), including the National Police Hospital (Rumkit Puspol)
• Finance Office (Puskeu Polri)
• Police Research and Development Department (Puslitbang Polri)
• Historical and Cultural Affairs Department (Pusjarah Polri)

Regional Police[]

• The Regional Police of the Republic of Indonesia (Polda) is the main implementing unit of territoriality under the Chief of Police. Polda is responsible for carrying out national police duties at province level. A "Polda" is headed by a Regional Chief of Police (Kapolda), which is responsible to the Chief of national Police (Kapolri) and holds the rank of either Inspector General or Brigadier General. Kapolda is assisted by Deputy Chief of Police (Wakapolda).
• The Regional Police (Polda) is responsible for the Departmental Police of the Republic of Indonesia (Polres) which covers a city or district/municipal level in that province. For big cities, Departamental Police (Polres) forces are called Metropolitan Police (Polrestabes), and for the urban type it is named only City Police (Polresta). The Polres has a complete police task force, like a Polda, and is led by a Police Chief Commissioner (Kombes) (for city police) or Police Superintendent (AKBP) for regency police.
• Sectoral Police (Polsek) are led by a Police Superintendent (AKBP) or Police Commissioner (Kompol) (for urban divisions), while in other Poldas, Polseks are led by officers of Police chief inspector (AKP) rank for Rural areas. In some areas which are remote like Papua, a Polsek may be led by a Police Inspector 2nd Class (Ipda).

Each Regional Police headquarters (Polda) which covers a province oversees the following directorates:

• Criminal Investigation Directorate
  • Sub-directorate of Criminal Affairs
  • Sub-Directorate for Crimes of Violence (Jatanras)
  • Sub-directorate for Teens, Children and Women affairs
  • Inafis Unit (Indonesia Automatic Finger Print Identification System) / Identification of TKP (Crime Scene)
• Directorate of Special Crimes Investigation
  • Sub-Directorate of Corruption
  • Sub-directorate of Land and building Property (Hardabangtah)
  • Sub-directorate of Cyber Crimes
• Directorate of Drug Investigation
  • Narcotics Subdivision
  • Psychotropic subdivision
• Directorate of Intelligence and Security
• Directorate of Traffic Security
  • Sub Directorate of Education and Conjecture (Dikyasa)
  • Sub Directorate of Registration and Identification (Regident)
  • Sub Directorate of Traffic Law Enforcement (Gakkum)
  • Sub Directorate of Road Security and Safety (Kamsel)
  • Sub Directorate of Road Escort and Patrol (Patwal)
  • Sub Directorate of Highway patrol (PJR)
• Animal Unit (Unit Satwa) - (mounted police and K9 dogs)
• Directorate of Community Guidance and Development (Bimmas, formerly Bina Mitra)
• Patrol Units (Sabhara) Directorate - ("Alert Unit")
• Directorate of VIP and Important Facility Protection (Pamobvit)
• Directorate of Water police (Polair)
• Directorate of Prisoners and Evidence Gathering (Tahti)
• Operations Bureau
• Human Resources Bureau
• Bureau of Infrastructure Facilities (Sarpras, formerly Logistic)
• Finance Office
• Bureau of internal Profession and Security (Propam) - (Internal affairs unit)
• Law Bureau
• Public Relations and Press Service
• Regional Police Medical Bureau

Units[]

Special units[]

Units	Abbreviation	Explanation
Mobile Brigade Corps	Brimob	The Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) is the elite/special forces unit of the Indonesian National Police. As a paramilitary and SWAT force, it takes the duties to handle high-threat law enforcement operations under the command of the regional police office (Polda). Brimob is also responsible to carry out riot control duties during high-level civil unrest situations to back up the regular units (Sabhara). Personnel of this unit are identifiable by their dark blue berets and they usually wear black uniforms during operational duty, during low-intensity law enforcement operations they usually wear the greyish-brown uniform such as the regular police units (but worn un-tucked). As a paramilitary organization, its training and equipment is almost identical to the Indonesian Army’s ("TNI"), and it conventionally operates under joint military command in conflict areas such as Papua and, until 2005, Aceh.[11]
Gegana	-	Gegana is a unit within Brimob. It specializes in the field of counter-terrorism, bomb disposal, intelligence, anti-anarchist, and CBRN defence.[12] It also conducts hostage rescue operations.[13]
Detachment 88	Densus 88	(Detasemen Khusus 88), Delta 88, or Densus 88, is an Indonesian Special Forces counter-terrorism squad, and part of the Indonesian Police Force. Formed on 30 June 2003, after the 2002 Bali bombings, it is funded, equipped, and trained by the United States[14] and Australia.[15]

Public units[]

The following fall under the Departamental police headquarters (Polres) of cities and regencies:

Units	Abbreviation	Indonesian	Explanation
Centre of integrated police services	SPKT	Sentra Pelayanan Kepolisian Terpadu	The SPKT is responsible for providing police services to the public, in the form of first receipt and handling of reports / complaints, police assistance / assistance services, and other related functions to carry out security and crime identification/prevention activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Intelligence and Security Unit	Sat-Intelkam	Satuan Intelijensi dan Keamanan	This unit is in charge of organizing / fostering the functions of Intelligence Security, including encryption, and service providers in the form of Licenses / Explanation concerning Foreigners, Firearms & Explosives, social activities / Political Communities and Police Record Certificates (SKCK) to citizens in need and conduct supervision / security and its implementation.
Criminal Detective Unit	Sat-Reskrim	Satuan Reserse Kriminal	This unit is in charge of fostering Functions and conducting criminal investigation and investigation activities, including the function of identification in the framework of law enforcement, coordination and supervision of operations and administration of investigation in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Officers of this unit wear civilian attire on duty
Drug Detective Unit	Sat-Resnarkoba	Satuan Reserse Narkoba	This unit is responsible for conducting investigations of criminal acts of drug abuse, including counseling and guidance in the prevention and rehabilitation of drug abuse victims.
Community and Society Development Unit	Sat-Binmas	Satuan Bina Masyarakat	This unit is in charge to carry out community guidance, including community empowerment activities, public order and coordination activities with other forms of security, as well as cooperative activities in maintaining security and public order.
Patrol Unit	Sat-Sabhara	Satuan Samapta Bhayangkara	The Sabhara is the versatile "public alert unit" of the Indonesian police which has the tasks to supervise and maintain the public order and security of an area. It conducts patroling and acts as first-responding law enforcement officers to calls and crime scenes. This unit is also tasked to assist security in public areas such as Banks and sometimes assist the Traffic police if needed. Under the command of the Regional Police (Polda), this unit is the first unit dispatched to secure and control protests and also perform Riot control duties if necessary. Their patrol vehicles are colored grey and Sabhara personnel wear dark brown berets
Traffic Unit	Sat-Lantas	Satuan Lalu Lintas	This unit is in charge for Traffic law enforcement, control, management, and patrolling affairs. Their patrol vehicles are colored white and blue and officers of this unit wear white peaked caps with reflective vests on duty
Vital Object Protection Unit	Sat-Pamobvit	Satuan Pengamanan Obyek Vital	This unit serves the security activities of VIP and important facilities, such as government official, diplomatic missions, industrial complex and tourism Area.[16] Their patrol vehicles are colored orange and officers of this unit wear neckties on their uniform
Water unit	Sat-Polair	Satuan Polisi Perairan	This unit is responsible for carrying out the functions of aquatic police, which include water patrols, waters law enforcement, coastal community development and other waters, as well as search and rescue accidents in marine areas (SAR)
Detainees and evidence unit	Sat-Tahti	Satuan Tahanan dan Barang Bukti	This internal unit is in charge to organize prisoners' care includes the health care of the detainee, the guardianship of the prisoners and the receiving, storing and securing of evidence and their administration within the regional police headquarters, reporting the number and condition of the detainees in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Information technology unit	Si-Tipol	Seksi Teknologi Informasi Polri	This unit is responsible for Computer and IT system management and development for policing duties
Internal Security and Profession unit	Si-Propam	Seksi Profesi dan Pengamanan	This unit is responsible to carry out internal investigation towards police personnel suspected of misconduct and also to enforce discipline towards police personnel. Officers of this unit are identifiable by their light blue berets and wear white belts with white aiguillettes

Rank structure[]

In the early years, the Indonesian Police used European police style ranks like "inspector" and "commissioner". When the police were amalgamated with the military structure during the 1960s, the ranks changed to a military style such as "Captain", "Major" and "Colonel". In the year 2000, when the Indonesian Police conducted the transition to a fully independent force out of the armed forces, they used British style police ranks like "Inspector" and "Superintendent". In 2001, the Indonesian Police have returned to Dutch style ranks like "Brigadier" and "Inspecteur" just like in the early years with some Indonesianized elements within the ranking system. The ranks are comparable with the armed forces' rank system.^[17]

Worn on:	General Officers				Field Officers			Subaltern Officers
Ceremonial Dress Uniform (PDU)
Service Uniform (PDH)
Field Uniform (PDL) on collar
Rank in Indonesian:	Jenderal Polisi (Jenderal Pol)	Komisaris Jenderal Polisi (Komjen Pol)	Inspektur Jenderal Polisi (Irjen Pol)	Brigadir Jenderal Polisi (Brigjen Pol)	Komisaris Besar Polisi (Kombes Pol)	Ajun Komisaris Besar Polisi (AKBP)	Komisaris Polisi (Kompol)	Ajun Komisaris Polisi (AKP)	Inspektur Polisi Satu (Iptu)	Inspektur Polisi Dua (Ipda)
Rank in English:	Police General	Police Commissioner General	Police Inspector General	Police Brigadier General	Police Grand Commissioner	Police Grand Commissioner Attendant	Police Commissioner	Police Commissioner Attendant	Police Inspector 1st Class	Police Inspector 2nd Class
Office or duty	Chief of National Police	Vice Chief, chief of national police organs	chief of regional police, vice chief of national police organs, chief of national police divisions, commandant Mobile Brigade (SWAT) corps	director of national police general directorates, vice chief of regional police	chief of departamental police, director of regional police directorates, regional police spokesperson	vice chief of departmental police	chief of sectoral police	chief of sectoral police

Worn on:	Sub-inspectors of Police (WO)		Constables (NCO)
Ceremonial Dress Uniform (PDU)
Service Uniform (PDH)
Field Uniform (PDL) on collar
Rank in Indonesian:	Ajun Inspektur Polisi Satu (Aiptu)	Ajun Inspektur Polisi Dua (Aipda)	Brigadir Polisi Kepala (Bripka)	Brigadir Polisi (Brigpol)	Brigadir Polisi Satu (Briptu)	Brigadir Polisi Dua (Bripda)
Rank in English:	Police Sub-Inspector 1st Class	Police Sub-Inspector 2nd Class	Police Chief Brigadier	Police Brigadier	Police Brigadier 1st Class	Police Brigadier 2nd Class

The following ranks are only used by personnel serving in the Mobile Brigade Corps and Water police units:

Worn on:	Enlisted
Ceremonial Dress Uniform (PDU)
Service Uniform (PDH)
Field Uniform (PDL) on collar
Rank in Indonesian:	Ajun Brigadir Polisi (Abrigpol)	Ajun Brigadir Polisi Satu (Abriptu)	Ajun Brigadir Polisi Dua (Abripda)	Bhayangkara Kepala (Bharaka)	Bhayangkara Satu (Bharatu)	Bhayangkara Dua (Bharada)
Rank in English:	Police Brigadier Attendant	Police Brigadier Attendant 1st class	Police Brigadier Attendant 2nd class	Master Patrolman	Patrolman 1st class	Patrolman 2nd class

Issues[]

Corruption[]

In the eyes of the people, the National Police force is "corrupt, brutal, and inept".^[3] Even becoming a police officer can be expensive, with applicants having to pay up to Rp90 million, according to Indonesia Police Watch head, Neta Saputra Pane.^[18]

In April 2009, angry that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) had tapped his phone while investigating a corruption case, Indonesian Police chief detective Susno Duadji compared the KPK to a gecko (Indonesian: cicak) fighting a crocodile (Indonesian: buaya) meaning the police. Susno's comment, as it turned out, quickly backfired because the image of a cicak standing up to a buaya (similar to David and Goliath imagery) immediately had wide appeal in Indonesia. A noisy popular movement in support of the cicak quickly emerged. Students staged pro-cicak demonstrations, many newspapers ran cartoons with cicaks lining up against an ugly buaya, and numerous TV talk shows took up the cicak versus buaya topic with enthusiasm. As a result, references to cicaks fighting a buaya have become a well-known part of the political imagery of Indonesia.^[19]

In June 2010, the Indonesian news magazine Tempo published a report on "fat bank accounts" held by senior police officers containing billions of rupiah. When the magazine went on sale in the evening groups of men said by witnesses to be police officers, went to newsstands with piles of cash to try to buy all the copies before they could be sold.^[20][21]

When KPK investigators tried to search Polri headquarters in 2010 as part of an investigation into Djoko Susilo, then the head of Korlantas (police corps of traffic), they were detained, and only released following the intervention of the president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Following a trial, Djoko was jailed for 18 years. Two years later, the KPK began investigating another senior police officer, Budi Gunawan, who was subsequently nominated for the post of National Police Chief. The KPK then named Budi a suspect and his nomination was withdrawn. However, he was later sworn in as deputy police chief. The police subsequently took revenge by charging three KPK commissioners with criminal offenses.^[22][23]

Violence and human rights abuses[]

Amnesty International has accused Polri of "widespread" torture and other abuses of arrested individuals.^[24] According to the organization, "Police in Indonesia shoot, beat and even kill people without fear of prosecution, leaving their victims with little hope of justice".^[25]

In 2014 the Human Rights Watch reported that a physical virginity test is routinely performed on female applicants to the police force.^[26] Human Rights Watch decried the practice as unscientific and degrading.^[26]

An official admission of violence by police officers came in 2016 when Chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti admitted that officers of the Detachment 88 anti-terror unit were responsible for the death in custody of terrorist suspect Siyono, who died of heart failure after being kicked hard enough in the chest to fracture his ribs. The Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights stated in March 2016 that at least 121 terror suspects had died in custody since 2007^[27]

Amnesty International called in June 2019 for an investigation of "credible evidence" of a range of grave violations by police, who it alleged were responsible for 10 unlawful killings in the aftermath of the re-election of president Joko Widodo.^[28]

In July 2020, the Indonesian Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) issued a report detailing police brutality over the preceding year that resulted in 304 deaths and 1,627 injuries in 921 violent incidents. The report also mentioned arbitrary arrests of people demonstrating legally, and acts of discrimination towards ethnic Papuans.^[29]

Equipment[]

Firearms[]

The standard issue sidearm to all Indonesian National Police officers is the Taurus Model 82 revolver in. 38 Special. While police personnel attached to special units such as Detachment 88, Gegana and BRIMOB are issued with the Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol.

Heavy arms are always available to Indonesian police personnel, such as the Heckler & Koch MP5 sub-machine gun, Remington 870 shotgun, Steyr AUG assault rifle, M4 carbine, M1 Carbine. and other weapons. The standard rifle for the Indonesian National Police are the Pindad SS1 and the M16 rifle. Units are also issued the "Sabhara"/Police V1-V2 Pindad SS1 special law enforcement assault rifle.

Police Vehicles[]

The police vehicles that are usually operated by the Indonesian Police ("Polri") for patrol and law enforcement activities are mainly Ford Focus sedan, Mitsubishi Lancer, Hyundai Elantra (for some police regions), Mitsubishi Strada/Triton, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Almera and Ford Ranger. Such vehicles are usually operated by the "Sabhara" police unit and other units which the vehicles are mainly colored dark-grey. In some areas, usually in rural places, the vehicles are not up-to date compared to the ones in the major urban areas in the country, so some police vehicles still use older versions such as the Toyota Kijang and Mitsubishi Kuda.

Special Investigation units usually operate in black Toyota Avanzas and some are unmarked vehicles. Police laboratory and forensics ("Puslabfor") units are issued dark-grey police Suzuki APV, Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, Toyota Fortuner or Mitsubishi Fuso Canter vehicles.

The Traffic Police Corps ("Korlantas") usually uses vehicles such as the Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mitsubishi Galant, Toyota Vios, Ford Focus sedan, Hyundai Elantra, Tesla Model 3 (mostly in Jakarta), Ford Ranger and Hino Dutro coloured white and blue. Some vehicles for traffic patrol are also used such as the Toyota Rush and Daihatsu Terios. Sedan types are usually used for highway and road patrolling and escort. Double-Cab types are usually used for Traffic incidents and traffic management law enforcement activities.

Police vehicles coloured orange usually Ford Focus and Mitsubishi Lancer sedans and white-orange Chevrolet Captivas are operated by the Vital Object Protection unit ("Pam Obvit") and usually parked outside and operated for international embassies, airports, and other special specified locations. It is also used by the Tourist police for patrol.

For the special police, counter-terrorism and anti-riot units such as the Mobile Brigade or "Brimob", Detachment 88 and "Gegana" units usually use special costumed vehicles for special operations such as the Pindad Komodo, Barracuda APC, and modified armored Mitsubishi Stradas, 2002 Nissan Terrano Spirits' and other special double-cabin and SUV vehicle types. Vehicles are coloured dark-grey with the bumper coloured orange identifying vehicles of the special police units. Some special operational "Gegana" and "Densus 88" vehicles are coloured black also with orange bumpers.

Other customised vehicles used for mobilisation of police personnel are usually modified Suzuki Mega Carrys, Isuzu Elfs and Toyota Dynas with horizontal side sitting facilities inside of the trunk covered by dark colored canvas for canopy. Costumed patrol pick-ups with mounted sitting facilities on the trunk covered with canopy are also operated by the police to carry police personnel during patrol, the pick-ups are usually Isuzu Panther pick-ups and usually operate in rural areas.

For high-ranking officers (usually generals), issued cars are usually grey (some black) full to compact sedans and Mid to Full-sized SUVs. Such cars are mainly chauffeured Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Land Cruiser, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Prado. Some use black Toyota Innova.

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  A Mitsubishi Lancer patrol car used by Sabhara patrol unit officers

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  A Mazda6 patrol car used by the Traffic unit

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  A Customized Ford Ranger used by the Mobile Brigade Corps

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  A Pindad Komodo Indonesian Mobile Brigade special police tactical vehicle

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  Police Mobile Brigade riot vehicle

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  Yamaha XJ900P Indonesian Traffic police motorcycle

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  Barracuda APC Mobile Brigade riot control vehicle

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  Daihatsu Gran Max Indonesian Tourist Police Service Van

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  An Indonesian Police patrol vehicle circa 1976

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  An Indonesian K9 Police Unit Vehicle

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  Police Off-Road Kawasaki KLX 250 units

Uniform[]

The National Police Force of Indonesia had changes for uniform colours about 3 times, the periods are:

• Since first formed until mid 70s, the uniform colour was khaki like the current Indian Police uniform.
• Since the late 70s until mid 90s, the uniform colour was light brown and brown.
• Since mid 90s until now the colour are brownish grey and dark brown.

Based on the regulation of the Chief of the Indonesian National Police [1], there are four types of uniform worn by police personnel which are:

• ceremonial uniform (PDU: PDU-I, PDU-II, PDU-III, PDU-IV)
• parade uniform (PDP: PDU Danup, PDU Danpas)
• service uniform (PDH: with uniform, and without uniform)
• field uniform (PDL: PDL-I, PDL-II which are PDL-II Two Tone, PDL-II Brimob Camo, PDL-II Black, PDL-II Reconnaissance, PDL-II Cavalry, PDL-II Highway Patrol, PDL-II Marine Police)

Ceremonial and service uniform are equipped with gorget paches (officially called "Monogram"). Higher officers (Brigadier General above) wear red while the rest wear dark brown.

Field and service uniform are equipped with office badge on left sleeve, and corps badge on the right sleve. Officer with command held wears his/her office badge (Lencana Tanda Jabatan) on the right pocket and usually carries baton (called tongkat komando) while others don't.

Headgears and beret colors:

• Red - Criminal Investigation Units ("Reserse", came from Dutch word recherche) - don't wear berets during investigative work. They sometimes wear white dress shirt with red tie.
• Dark Blue beret - Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob)
• Blackish Dark Brown beret - "Sabhara"
• Light Blue beret - Internal Affairs Division (Police Provosts)
• Peaked cap with White piping - Traffic Policemen

National Police Pledge (Tribrata)[]

The National Police Pledge is a pledge of loyalty and fidelity of all sworn personnel and constables to the government and people of Indonesia, the principles of nationhood and the Constitution.^[30][31]

Original Indonesian	English
Kami, Polisi Indonesia:	We, (policemen and women) of Indonesia:
1. Berbakti kepada nusa dan bangsa dengan penuh ketakwaan terhadap Tuhan yang Maha Esa.	Swear therefore our loyalty to serve the people and nation with full reverence to the One True God,
2. Menjunjung tinggi kebenaran, keadilan dan kemanusiaan dalam menegakkan hukum negara kesatuan Republik Indonesia yang berdasarkan Pancasila dan undang-undang dasar 1945.	to uphold the values of truth, justice and humanity in our duties in the protection of the laws of the unitary Republic of Indonesia, based on Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution,
3. Senantiasa melindungi, mengayomi dan melayani masyarakat dengan keikhlasan untuk mewujudkan keamanan dan ketertiban.	and to always protect, preserve and serve to the community with sincerity in order to develop public order and security.

Personnel[]

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  Brimob personnel

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  Brimob personnel during Riot control

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  Sabhara personnel

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  Sabhara Patrolmen

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  Internal Affairs officers (known locally as Police Provosts)

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  Traffic Policemen

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  Criminal Detective Unit personnel

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  Police Academy Cadets

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  Mounted Police

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  K9 Policemen circa 1970s

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  Police Aviation personnel

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  Water Policemen

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  Police Aviation officers

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  Brimob Riot control personnel

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  Motorcycle Traffic policeman

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  Gegana Bomb Disposal operator

List of Chiefs of Police (Kapolri)[]

In popular culture[]

Film[]

• Menumpas Teroris, 1986 - starring Barry Prima and El Manik
• Arie Hanggara, 1985: A true story of the death of an 8-year-old boy by his stepmother starring Deddy Mizwar
• The Raid (2011 film), starring Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim & Donny Alamsyah
• Java Heat, 2013 starring Kellan Lutz, Ario Bayu, T.Wifnu Wikana & Mickey Rourke

Television[]

• 86 - 2014–present (based on show Cops), shown on NET TV every day at 11 pm Western Indonesian Time
• The Police, every day at 11 pm Western Indonesian Time on Trans 7
• Cleansing Kalijodo,^[32][33] 2016. Starring Ario Bayu (as then-Chief of Penjaringan Sectoral Police Police Captain Krishna Murti) and Fauzi Baadila (as Daeng Aziz) on Crime + Investigation

See also[]

• Indonesian Military (TNI)
• Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim)
• Mobile Brigade Corps
• Detachment 88 (Densus 88) AT
• Gegana
• Municipal Police (Indonesia)
• Military Police Corps (Indonesia)
• Army Military Police Corps (Indonesia)

References[]

•  This article incorporates public domain material from the Library of Congress Country Studies website http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/.

Further reading[]

• Amnesty International. (2009) "Indonesia: Unfinished Business: Police Accountability in Indonesia" (24 June 2009)
• International Crisis Group. (2001) Indonesia : National Police reform. Jakarta / Brussels : International Crisis Group. ICG Asia report; no.13
• David Jansen. (2008) "Relations among security and law enforcement institutions in Indonesia", Contemporary Southeast Asia, Vol.30, No.3, 429-54
• "Networked Security in Indonesia: The Case of the Police in Yogyakarta." Doctoral Dissertation, Australian National University (April 2010).

External links[]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Indonesian National Police.

• Official website
• Community of Indonesian National Police
• Outside Indonesia view