On 9 June 2026, the House of Representatives of Indonesia approved a revision of Law No. 2 of 2002 concerning the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia. The revision primarily expands the role and functions of the police, including allowing active police officers to hold civilian positions in ministries or government agencies without resigning.
Civil society organisations have raised concerns about the reform, with Amnesty International Indonesia describing the revision as a “red carpet towards authoritarianism.” The Police Reform Coalition warned that it may enable police activities beyond their core mandate, creating legal inconsistencies and weakening oversight of security institutions, and described it as a legal contradiction under MPR Decree No. VII/MPR/2000 and Constitutional Court Decision No. 114 of 2025.
Broader civil society actors also point to potential impacts on fundamental freedoms, the governance of security institutions, and the space for public participation and engagement with state authorities, as well as broadly defined police functions that may enable institutional overreach. Questions have also been raised regarding whether the revision adequately addresses existing institutional challenges within the police force, including documented cases of violence involving police officers in recent years.
The reform is expected to have a negative impact on the enabling environment. This includes a possible expansion of surveillance and enforcement powers affecting digital civic space, restrictions on the ability to criticise public policy, and increased risks of criminalisation of expression. The provision further raises concerns about the relationship between law enforcement and civilian administration, with critics warning of a potential blurring of institutional boundaries.