Padang, West Sumatra (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs for the 2019-2024 period, Prof. Mahfud MD, outlined three key points in the current police reform efforts.
"The first pillar is structural aspects, which is related to the institution," he said at Andalas University in Padang, West Sumatra, on Friday.
He conveyed this during a national seminar titled "Constitutional Court Decision Number 105/PUU-XXII/2024: Unlimited Freedom of Expression: Developing Democracy or Digital Anarchy" organized by the Center for Constitutional Studies (PUSaKO) of the Faculty of Law, Andalas University.
In addition, Mahfud pushed for reforms from an instrumental perspective, which intersect with regulations within the Police Corps.
Meanwhile, the third pillar is addressing the institutional culture within the police reform, he stated.
According to him, the instrumental and structural aspects, being relatively solid, could be further improved gradually.
However, he addressed that cultural issues such as protection against criminals, nepotism in office, non-transparent transfers of officers, promotions, and officer recruitment are still often carried out improperly.
"Apart from being conducted through improper means, many parties were also involved in political affairs," the constitutional law expert remarked.
Mahfud, who ran for Vice President in 2024, said that the government, especially President Prabowo Subianto, must prioritize these three aspects to reform the police force.
"I think that should be the focus of the government's steps in police reform," he emphasized.
On that occasion, Mahfud admitted to having received numerous direct reports from the public and even police officers who felt victimized by the institution.
The formation of the National Police Reform Committee by President Prabowo is seen as a hope for improving the Police Corps.
Previously, Professor Mahfud expressed his willingness to join the National Police Reform Committee team, as conveyed by Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi.
"Thank God, he expressed his willingness to join," Prasetyo said.
