Prabowo says police authority expansion in draft law is unnecessary

The president shares his view on the National Police Bill, citing existing authority as already sufficient.

President Prabowo Subianto delivers a statement at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Monday, March 10, 2025. Photo by Aditya Pradana Putra/Antara

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

President Prabowo Subianto says police authority expansion in the draft law is unnecessary, stating that the National Police already have enough power to carry out their duties. Speaking during a meeting with senior journalists and editors at his private residence in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, on Sunday, April 6, Prabowo made his stance clear when asked about the proposed changes in the National Police Bill.

The informal discussion, attended by prominent media figures including Najwa Shihab, founder of Narasi TV, covered a variety of political and legal issues currently under public scrutiny. One of the central points of the conversation was the draft legislation aimed at reforming and expanding the National Police’s powers. Shihab brought up widespread concerns over abuse of power and questioned whether Prabowo believed an expansion of police authority was justified.

In response, Prabowo said, “Yes, I have seen the draft circulating. I will study the draft. But, in principle, the police must be given sufficient authority to carry out their duties. If they have been given sufficient authority, why should it be added?” He emphasized that he believes the police currently operate with adequate legal and institutional backing.

Prabowo’s principled stance: enough is enough

Prabowo’s answer was consistent with his broader philosophy on governance and civil liberties. “Yes, I think it's sufficient,” he continued. “Why should we add more? That’s my opinion.” He suggested that instead of expanding powers, the government should focus on ensuring those powers are used responsibly and transparently.

The issue has become a topic of heated public debate in recent weeks. The proposed National Police Bill has been widely criticized for containing articles that, according to legal experts and activists, risk legitimizing excessive use of force, increasing surveillance powers, and blurring the line between civil policing and militarization. Public demonstrations and critical editorials have emerged in response to the draft’s content, many warning it could erode democratic oversight and civil rights.

Public backlash and parliamentary confusion

Notably, Speaker of the DPR (House of Representatives), Puan Maharani, has tried to distance the legislative body from the controversy. “The draft in circulation is not an official document,” she said in late March at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta. “So if there is already a DIM [Daftar Inventarisasi Masalah] in circulation, it is not an official DIM. We emphasize that.”

This statement has added to the confusion surrounding the bill. If the draft that is generating concern is not yet official, how did it emerge, and why has it been allowed to shape public perception and stir unrest?

Many analysts argue that the uncertainty surrounding the origins and status of the draft underlines a bigger problem—lack of transparency in legislative processes. Critics say such ambiguity can be used to soften public resistance until a version of the bill is quietly passed with minimal debate.

Trust and accountability at stake

For Prabowo, the concern seems to lie not only in legal authority but in institutional trust. Expanding the scope of police power without first addressing issues of abuse and accountability could undermine public confidence in the entire system. The president’s cautious stance suggests he is aware of the balance needed between empowering law enforcement and safeguarding civil liberties.

"The police must be effective, yes," Prabowo said, “but effectiveness doesn’t mean unchecked power. It must be power with responsibility. If we already have enough tools in place, then the focus should be on how those tools are used.”

Prabowo also indicated that he would not rush into supporting a draft law without careful review and consultation. “I will study it,” he reiterated. “We must ensure that any legal changes support justice and democracy.”

A broader debate on reform

The conversation surrounding the National Police Bill has also sparked a broader national dialogue about law enforcement reform, political accountability, and the evolving role of state power in Indonesia’s democracy. Many citizens feel that strengthening the police should start with better training, oversight mechanisms, and reforms aimed at reducing corruption and misconduct.

Legal experts have also pointed out that Indonesia’s legal framework already grants the police considerable powers, especially when it comes to investigation and enforcement. Adding more powers, they argue, risks overlapping with military roles or violating constitutional protections.

Media plays a vital role in democratic scrutiny

The discussion in Hambalang highlighted the essential role that the media continues to play in fostering democratic discourse. With key journalists and editors like Najwa Shihab present, the president had an opportunity to directly respond to the concerns of the press and, by extension, the public.

Shihab, known for her vocal stance on civil liberties and anti-corruption efforts, did not hold back in her questioning. Her presence underscored how media professionals are holding Indonesia’s leaders to account and ensuring that critical legal developments do not escape public scrutiny.

Prabowo’s approach to leadership

As president, Prabowo’s approach to the National Police Bill will be closely watched. His refusal to endorse the expansion of police powers—at least for now—may reassure civil society groups, but the real test will be in what follows.

Will his administration ensure transparency in the legislative process? Will it commit to reforming existing police powers rather than expanding them? And most importantly, will it build systems of accountability that can restore public faith in law enforcement?

The early signs suggest that Prabowo is willing to listen and that he understands the political risks of supporting unpopular or poorly communicated reforms. But as with all things in politics, intent must be backed by action.

Cautious optimism from the president

Prabowo Subianto says police authority expansion in draft law is unnecessary, and his remarks in Hambalang provide a glimpse into how he may govern—with a mix of pragmatism and caution. By resisting the urge to expand state power without clear justification, he signals a respect for institutional balance and public trust. However, the situation remains fluid, and the final shape of the National Police Bill will likely reflect the complex tug-of-war between power, policy, and public opinion.

For now, Indonesians can take cautious optimism from the fact that their president is paying attention—not just to the text of the law, but to its wider consequences.