Indonesia Reviews Policing Practices After Recent Shooting Incidents
Following a string of troubling shooting incidents involving Indonesian police personnel, lawmakers are calling for a comprehensive review of firearm usage protocols and a renewed focus on the mental well-being of officers.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Rano Alfath, Deputy Chairman of Indonesia’s House of Representatives Commission III, has announced that they will soon summon key figures within the national police force, including the Head of the Professional and Security Division (Propam) and the National Police Chief Assistant for Human Resources. These meetings aim to thoroughly evaluate existing firearm usage procedures and explore potential weaknesses.
“We will summon the head of Propam Division and the Police chief assistant for human resources to check and evaluate the use of firearms,” Alfath stated on Friday. This move highlights a strong push for transparency and accountability within the police force.
Psychological Assessments: A Critical Need
Alfathechoed the suggestion by Habiburokhman, Chairman of Commission III, who emphasized the importance of routine psychological assessments for all police personnel. He stressed that psychological well-being plays a crucial role in preventing firearm misuse. “Each personnel’s psychological condition can change along with the dynamics of life experienced,” Habiburokhman pointed out.
He underscored the need for proactive measures, stating, “Highlighting potential risks, he emphasized the critical need for periodic psychological assessments to prevent possible misuse of firearms by police personnel.”
Body Cameras: A Potential Solution
Alfath expressed support for the proposal to equip police officers with body cameras, viewing them as a valuable tool in enhancing transparency and accountability. “I welcome the proposal to equip police personnel with body cameras to prevent the misuse of firearms,” he said. The idea of using body cameras to provide independent evidence of police interactions has gained traction globally as a means to prevent abuse and misconduct.
Scrutinizing Existing Audit Mechanisms
Additionally, Habiburokhman announced that they would be conducting a thorough review of the existing audit mechanism for firearm usage within the police force. While acknowledging that the police had implemented such a mechanism, he questioned its effectiveness in practice.
“He stated that the police had implemented such a mechanism. However, he questioned the real implementation in the field,” this statement reveals a commitment to going beyond theoretical frameworks and examining the on-the-ground reality.
Immediate Summons Following Shooting Incidents
In response to recent incidents, Habiburokhman confirmed that summonses have been issued for those involved. In particular, Semarang Police Chief Senior Commissioner Irwan Anwar will be summoned for questioning regarding a shooting incident involving one of his officers and a vocational high school student in Semarang, Central Java. “We will specifically summon the Semarang Police chief as soon as possible,” Habiburokhman stated.
The summon is scheduled for December 3, alongside summonings of the West Sumatra Province Police Chief and Head of the Propam Division of the National Police Headquarters to discuss a separate incident in South Solok, West Sumatra, where a police officer shot a fellow officer.
What are the proposed solutions being considered to address the issue of police shootings in Indonesia?
## Interview: Indonesia’s Police Facing Scrutiny
**Host:** Joining us today is [Alex Reed Name], an expert on Indonesian law enforcement and security. Recent shootings involving Indonesian police have sparked public debate and calls for change. Can you shed some light on the situation?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. This is a deeply concerning trend. Tragic incidents involving police shootings have led to calls for greater transparency and accountability within the police force. Lawmakers, like Rano Alfath from the House of Representatives Commission III, are demanding a thorough review of firearm usage protocols [[1](https://indonesiaatmelbourne.unimelb.edu.au/talking-indonesia-police-reform/)]. They’re also looking at the possibility of mental health assessments for all officers.
**Host:** You mentioned mental health assessments. Why are those considered so important in this context?
**Alex Reed:** Well, as commission leaders like Habiburokhman have pointed out, an officer’s psychological well-being can impact how they handle stressful situations, including the use of firearms. Periodic assessments could help identify officers who might be struggling and provide them with the support they need. It’s a proactive approach to hopefully prevent future tragedies.
**Host:** Are there any other proposed solutions on the table?
**Alex Reed:** Yes. There’s discussion about implementing body cameras for police officers. This could provide valuable evidence in investigations and increase transparency around police actions. It’s certainly a measure that has been discussed in many parts of the world with varying degrees of success.
**Host:** This is clearly a complex issue. What are the biggest challenges facing Indonesia as it tries to reform its policing practices?
**Alex Reed:** Building trust between the police and the public is a major hurdle. There needs to be a demonstrable commitment to accountability and a willingness to address concerns raised by the community. It’s not just about implementing new policies, it’s about changing the culture within the police force.
