Prabowo under pressure to implement police reforms after protests

Failure to act could damage his credibility amid public fury over delivery rider’s death

- Arlina Arshad Indonesia Bureau Chief

Indonesia turned deadly, analysts say, President Prabowo Subianto faces a high-stakes test: implement police reforms or risk his credibility crumbling amid nationwide outrage.

The death of ride-hailing and delivery rider Affan Kurniawan on Aug 28, crushed under a police vehicle, ignited public fury over misconduct. The 21-year-old’s death has intensified calls to end police brutality, corruption and political interference while exposing repeated failures of accountability.

“The public sees (Mr Affan’s death) not as a single case but as the peak of a series of events highlighting the excesses of police violence,” Dr Khairul Fahmi, co-founder of the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies, told The Straits Times.

“Politically, this case shows the fragility of police legitimacy in the eyes of society and at the same time becomes a symbol of tension between the people and security forces.”

Rumours surfaced recently of a shakeup at the top of the National Police, suggesting General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who has led the force since January 2021, could be replaced. Both the Presidential Palace and Parliament denied the claims.

REPLACING POLICE CHIEF NOT A QUICK FIX

Analysts warned that changing the police chief alone will not address more ingrained problems. Human rights group Setara Institute’s 2024 study, Transformasi Polri, previously identified 130 problems in the force, including weak oversight, misuse of firearms, unfair sentencing and inadequate public protection. The police force must be respectful, honest and professional, it urged in response.

Mr Hendardi, chairman of Setara’s national board, said public attention on leadership shifts misses the bigger picture. The 17 short-term and eight long-term demands outlined by activists include independent probes into protest deaths, prosecution of abusive officers and an end to police brutality.