Prabowo's Pasbata volunteers firmly reject the proposal to place Polri under a ministry, arguing it could undermine the police's strategic role. Chairman David Febrian affirms that positioning Polri under the president is a constitutional choice for swift responses to security threats. Analyst Pieter Zulkifli praises Kapolri Listyo Sigit Prabowo's statement as an effort to safeguard presidential democracy.
In Jakarta on Monday (February 2, 2026), Pasbata Prabowo Chairman David Febrian voiced strong opposition to the proposal placing Polri under a ministry. He argued it could slow decision-making and invite political interest conflicts. "Placing Polri under a ministry risks delaying orders, extending bureaucracy, and opening spaces for sectoral political tug-of-war. This could weaken the state's response to security threats," David told reporters.
David stressed that Polri is not merely an administrative body but a state instrument for upholding law, security, and order. Its position under the president enables direct command lines, allowing quick action against security disruptions, cross-sector crimes, cyber threats, terrorism, and social conflicts.
Meanwhile, legal analyst Pieter Zulkifli viewed Kapolri Listyo Sigit Prabowo's statement during a hearing with DPR's Commission III as a commitment to keep Polri under the president 'until the last drop of blood.' Pieter said the rejection is not against the president but preserves the presidential democracy architecture since the 1998 Reformasi. Constitutionally, Article 8 of the Indonesian National Police Law places Polri under the president, with the Kapolri directly accountable to him.
"When the Kapolri's statement is twisted for political gain, at stake is not just words, but the stability of institutions and the state," Pieter stated. Both parties agree this direct link is crucial amid complex global and national challenges.
