Indonesian National Police

The Indonesian National Police (Indonesian: Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia, lit. 'State Police of the Republic of Indonesia', abbreviated as POLRI) is the national law enforcement and police force of the Republic of Indonesia. It started on 19 August 1945 and became independent on 1 July 1946. It was once part of the country's military but became its own group in 1999.

Indonesian National Police headquarters (Mabes Polri) in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta

Today, the Indonesian National Police has about 440,000 members. This includes special units called Brimob and teams for water and aviation work. They also have help from about 1.7 million volunteers named Senkom Mitra Polri who support them across the country. Their main office is in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. People can call 110 any time for help with safety.

The police work to keep people safe and enforce laws in Indonesia. Sometimes, they join international teams, such as United Nations missions, to help in other parts of the world, like Darfur. The head of the Indonesian National Police reports to the President of Indonesia.

History

The Veldpolitie in Malang (c. 1930)

When Indonesia was ruled by the Dutch, police work was done by the military or special Dutch police groups. When Japan occupied Indonesia during World War II, they made their own groups to help keep order.

After Japan left, Indonesia became independent. The Indonesian National Police started on 19 August 1945. At first, it was part of the government and fought against the Dutch during the struggle for Indonesia's independence. Over time, the police changed roles many times — sometimes working with the military, sometimes as its own group. In 1999, the police became fully separate from the military, becoming its own national force. July 1 is celebrated as National Police Day, marking when the police became a national agency directly responsible to the President.

Duties and tasks

Indonesian police personnel in Jakarta

The Indonesian National Police have important jobs to keep people safe and follow the rules. Their main tasks are to keep order, enforce laws, and help protect the community.

Police officers work to guard important places, make sure traffic runs smoothly, and help people stay safe. They also investigate crimes, give out permits, and help during emergencies. They work with other groups to make sure everything runs well and to keep the country safe and peaceful.

Hierarchy

The Indonesian National Police has a clear structure, with its main office in Kebayoran Baru. The police are split into different levels to cover various areas.

Regional Police Force (Kepolisian Daerah, Polda) covers each province and is led by a high-ranking officer. These had different names before.
Resort/Departmental Police Force (Kepolisian Resor, Polres) looks after cities or regencies. The leader’s rank depends on if the area is urban or rural. These also had other names before.
Sectoral Police Force (Kepolisian Sektor, Polsek) handles district areas. Leaders here change rank based on the area. In Papua, some leaders have lower ranks.

There are special officers called Community Police Officers (Bhayangkara Pembina Keamanan dan Ketertiban Masyarakat, Bhabinkamtibmas) who help keep order in smaller communities, often wearing a yellow armband. They watch over places like during elections.

Until 2010, there was an additional level called Territorial Police Force, but it is no longer used.

Organization

The Indonesian National Police is led by a Chief and a Deputy Chief. The President of Indonesia appoints them. They work from their headquarters in Jakarta.

The police have several key support teams:

An Inspectorate that checks on how well the police are doing their jobs.
Assistants to the Chief who help with areas like planning, human resources, and logistics.
Divisions such as the Professional and Security Division, Legal Division, and Public Affairs and Press Division that handle specific tasks.
An Advisory Staff that gives advice on important matters.

The police also have central agencies like:

Baintelkam for intelligence.
Bareskrim for criminal investigations.
Baharkam for security maintenance.
Korbrimob for handling serious security issues.
Korlantas for traffic management.
Densus 88 for fighting terrorism.

Supporting elements include education and training institutes, medical centers, finance management, research and development, and a historical center.

Regional police offices, known as Polda, operate in each province. They oversee police work at the city or district level. These regional offices have many directorates to handle tasks like criminal investigations, traffic security, and community guidance.

Units

The Indonesian National Police have special units for important jobs. These units have extra training for tough situations.

There are also public units in cities and areas. They help keep order and safety nearby.

Units	Abbreviation	Indonesian	Explanation
Centre of Integrated Police Services	SPKT	Sentra Pelayanan Kepolisian Terpadu	The SPKT is responsible for providing police services to the public, in the form of first receipt and handling of reports/complaints, police assistance services, and other related functions to carry out security and crime identification/prevention activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Intelligence and Security Unit	Sat-Intelkam	Satuan Intelijensi dan Keamanan	This unit is in charge of organizing / fostering the functions of Intelligence Security, including encryption, and service providers in the form of licenses / explanations concerning Foreigners, Firearms & Explosives, Sociopolitical Communities and Police Record Certificates (SKCK) to citizens in need and conduct supervision / security and its implementation.
Criminal Detective Unit	Sat-Reskrim	Satuan Reserse Kriminal	This unit is in charge of fostering Functions and conducting criminal investigation and detection activities, including the function of identification in the framework of law enforcement, coordination and supervision of operations and administration of investigation in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Officers of this unit wear civilian attire on duty
Drug Detective Unit	Sat-Resnarkoba	Satuan Reserse Narkoba	This unit is responsible for conducting investigations of criminal acts of drug abuse, including counseling and guidance in the prevention and rehabilitation of drug abuse victims.
Community and Society Development Unit	Sat-Binmas	Satuan Bina Masyarakat	This unit is in charge to carry out community guidance, including community empowerment activities, public order and coordination activities with other forms of security, as well as cooperative activities in maintaining security and public order.
Patrol Unit	Sat-Sabhara	Satuan Samapta Bhayangkara	The Sabhara is the versatile "public alert unit" of the Indonesian police which has the tasks to supervise and maintain the public order and security of an area. It conducts patrolling and acts as first-responding law enforcement officers to calls and crime scenes. This unit is also tasked to assist security in public areas such as banks and sometimes assist the traffic police if needed. Under the command of the Regional Police (Polda), this unit is the first unit dispatched to secure and control protests and also perform riot control duties if necessary. Their patrol vehicles are colored grey and their personnel wear dark brown berets.
Traffic Unit	Sat-Lantas	Satuan Lalu Lintas	This unit is in charge for Traffic law enforcement, control, management, and patrolling affairs. Their patrol vehicles are colored white and blue and officers of this unit wear white peaked caps with reflective vests on duty.
Vital Object Protection Unit	Sat-Pamobvit	Satuan Pengamanan Obyek Vital	This unit serves the security activities of VIPs and important facilities, such as government officials, diplomatic missions, industrial complex and tourism areas. Their patrol vehicles are colored orange and officers of this unit wear neckties on their uniform.
Marine and Air Police Unit	Sat-Polairud	Satuan Polisi Perairan dan Udara	This unit is responsible for carrying out the functions of aquatic police, which include water patrols, waters law enforcement, coastal community development and other waters, as well as search and rescue accidents in marine areas (SAR). They also provide air support to local area operations or in support of national level INP units. They wear light blue berets and light blue service uniforms/flight suits.
Detainees and Evidence Unit	Sat-Tahti	Satuan Tahanan dan Barang Bukti	This internal unit is in charge to organize prisoners' care, including prisoners' health care, guardianship and the receiving, storing and securing of evidence and their administration within the regional police headquarters, reporting the number and condition of the detainees in accordance with provisions of the law.
Information Technology Unit	Si-Tipol	Seksi Teknologi Informasi Polri	This unit is responsible for computer and IT system management and development for policing duties
Internal Security and Profession Unit	Si-Propam	Seksi Profesi dan Pengamanan	This unit is responsible to carry out internal investigation towards police personnel suspected of misconduct and also to enforce discipline towards police personnel. Officers of this unit are identifiable by their light blue berets and wear white belts with aiguillettes.

Rank structure

In the early years, the Indonesian Police used ranks from European style, such as Brigadier, Inspector, and Commissioner. When the police joined with the military in the 1960s, they started using military ranks like "Captain", "Major", and "Colonel". In 2000, when the police became fully independent, they used ranks from British style, such as Constable and Superintendent. A year later, they returned to their original ranking system, with some special Indonesian touches.

The following ranks are only used by personnel serving in the Mobile Brigade Corps and Water police units:

Worn on:	General Officers				Senior Officers			Junior Officers
Ceremonial Dress Uniform (PDU)
Service Uniform (PDH)
Field Uniform (PDL) on collar
Rank in Indonesian:	Jenderal Polisi (Jenderal Pol)	Komisaris Jenderal Polisi (Komjen Pol)	Inspektur Jenderal Polisi (Irjen Pol)	Brigadir Jenderal Polisi (Brigjen Pol)	Komisaris Besar Polisi (Kombes Pol)	Ajun Komisaris Besar Polisi (AKBP)	Komisaris Polisi (Kompol)	Ajun Komisaris Polisi (AKP)	Inspektur Polisi Satu (Iptu)	Inspektur Polisi Dua (Ipda)
Rank in English:	Police General	Police Commissioner General	Police Inspector General	Police Brigadier General	Police Chief Commissioner	Police Adjunct Chief Commissioner	Police Commissioner	Police Adjunct Commissioner	Police 1st Inspector	Police 2nd Inspector
Office or duty	Chief of National Police	Vice Chief, chief of national police organs	chief of regional police, vice chief of national police organs, chief of national police divisions, commandant Mobile Brigade (Brimob) corps	director of national police general directorates, vice chief of regional police	chief of departamental police, director of regional police directorates, regional police spokesperson	vice chief of departmental police	chief of sectoral police	chief of sectoral police

Worn on:	Sub-inspectors of Police (WO)		Constables (NCO)
Ceremonial Dress Uniform (PDU)
Service Uniform (PDH)
Field Uniform (PDL) on collar
Rank in Indonesian:	Ajun Inspektur Polisi Satu (Aiptu)	Ajun Inspektur Polisi Dua (Aipda)	Brigadir Polisi Kepala (Bripka)	Brigadir Polisi (Brigpol)	Brigadir Polisi Satu (Briptu)	Brigadir Polisi Dua (Bripda)
Rank in English:	Police 1st Sub-Inspector	Police 2nd Sub-Inspector	Police Chief Brigadier	Police Brigadier	Police 1st Brigadier	Police 2nd Brigadier

Worn on:	High-rank Enlisted			Junior Enlisted
Ceremonial Dress Uniform (PDU)
Service Uniform (PDH)
Field Uniform (PDL) on collar
Rank in Indonesian:	Ajun Brigadir Polisi (Abrigpol)	Ajun Brigadir Polisi Satu (Abriptu)	Ajun Brigadir Polisi Dua (Abripda)	Bhayangkara Kepala (Bharaka)	Bhayangkara Satu (Bharatu)	Bhayangkara Dua (Bharada)
Rank in English:	Police Sub-Brigadier	Police 1st Sub-Brigadier	Police 2nd Sub-Brigadier	Senior Patrolman	1st Patrolman	2nd Patrolman

Issues

The Indonesian National Police have faced many challenges over the years. Some people feel the police are not always fair or easy to trust.

Becoming a police officer can be very expensive, with some people needing to pay a lot just to apply.

There have been times when police were accused of using too much force or treating people unfairly. Some groups have said that police sometimes hurt people without facing serious consequences. These reports have led to calls for better training and clearer rules to protect everyone’s rights.

Sometimes, police actions have led to sad outcomes. For example, during a football event in 2022, police used tear gas inside a stadium, which caused a dangerous situation where many fans were hurt. This event showed the importance of careful and responsible actions by police to keep everyone safe.

Equipment

Firearms

Main article: Equipment of Indonesian National Police

Police officers usually carry a special gun called the Taurus Model 82. Some special units, like Detachment 88, Gegana and BRIMOB, use a different gun called the Glock 17.

The police have bigger guns for special jobs. These include the Heckler & Koch MP5, Remington 870, Steyr AUG, AK-101, M4 carbine, SIG MCX, SIG MPX and M1 Carbine. The main rifles used are the Pindad SS1 and the M16 rifle. There are also special rifles like the "Sabhara"/Police V1-V2 Pindad SS1.

Police vehicles

The Indonesian Police, or "Polri", use many different vehicles for their work. Common ones include the Mitsubishi Lancer, Hyundai Elantra, Mitsubishi Strada/Triton, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Almera, Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara. These vehicles are often dark-grey and are used by different police units.

In rural areas, older vehicles like the Toyota Kijang and Mitsubishi Kuda are still used. Special investigation units use black Toyota Avanza and unmarked cars. Vehicles for laboratory and forensics work are dark-grey and include the Suzuki APV, Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Fuso Canter.

The Traffic Police Corps, or "Korlantas", uses vehicles like the Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mitsubishi Galant V6, Toyota Vios, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Ioniq, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai Elantra, Tesla Model 3, Ford Ranger, Hino Dutro, Isuzu MU-X, and Toyota Hilux. Some of these are used for highway patrol and escort duties.

The Vital Object Protection Unit uses orange-colored sedans like the Ford Focus and Mitsubishi Lancer, as well as white-orange Chevrolet Captivas, to protect important places such as embassies and airports.

For special operations, units like the Mobile Brigade or "Brimob", Detachment 88, and "Gegana" use armored vehicles with bulletproof glass. These include the Pindad Komodo, Barracuda 4x4 APC, Panus 4x4 Light Armored Patrol Car, DAPC 1/2 4x4 Light Armoured Transport Vehicle, and modified armored Mitsubishi Strada and Nissan Terrano SUVs.

Other vehicles used by the police include modified Suzuki Mega Carry, Isuzu Elf and Toyota Dyna with special seating. Customised pick-ups like the Isuzu Panther are also used, especially in rural areas.

High-ranking officers often use grey or black sedans and SUVs such as Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Land Cruiser, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Prado. Some use black Toyota Innova.

Ford Focus vehicles are only used by Korlantas and Sabhara in limited numbers. MPVs like Honda Mobilio and Toyota Innova are sometimes used by Korlantas units for patrol and escort.

Uniform

The Indonesian National Police has changed their uniform colors three times.

From the start until the mid-1970s, the uniform was khaki, like the current Indian Police.
From the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, the uniform was light brown and brown.
Since the mid-1990s, the uniform has been brownish grey and dark brown.

There are four types of uniforms for police officers:

ceremonial uniform
parade uniform
service uniform
field uniform

Ceremonial and service uniforms have special patches called "Monogram". Higher officers wear red patches, while others wear dark brown.

Field and service uniforms have badges on the sleeves. Officers in command may wear a special badge on their pocket and carry a baton, called tongkat komando.

Different units wear different colored headgear:

Red for Criminal Investigation Units
Dark Blue beret for the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob)
Blackish Dark Brown beret for "Sabhara"
Light Blue beret for Internal Affairs Division
White Peaked cap with blue and white Sillitoe tartan for Traffic Police
Navy Blue for Marine and Air Police

National Police Pledge (Tribrata)

The National Police Pledge is a promise made by police officers and constables in Indonesia. They promise to stay loyal to the government, the people, the country's principles, and the Constitution.

Original Indonesian	English
Kami, Polisi Indonesia:	We, (policemen and women) of Indonesia:
1. Berbakti kepada nusa dan bangsa dengan penuh ketakwaan terhadap Tuhan yang Maha Esa.	Swear therefore our loyalty to serve the people and nation with full reverence to the One True God,
2. Menjunjung tinggi kebenaran, keadilan dan kemanusiaan dalam menegakkan hukum negara kesatuan Republik Indonesia yang berdasarkan Pancasila dan undang-undang dasar 1945.	to uphold the values of truth, justice and humanity in our duties in the protection of the laws of the unitary Republic of Indonesia, based on Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution,
3. Senantiasa melindungi, mengayomi dan melayani masyarakat dengan keikhlasan untuk mewujudkan keamanan dan ketertiban.	and to always protect, preserve and serve to the community with sincerity in order to develop public order and security.

Personnel

The Indonesian National Police have many types of personnel who help keep the country safe. Some of these include Brimob personnel who help during big events or riots, Sabhara Patrolmen who watch over public areas, Traffic Policemen who manage road safety, and Criminal Detective Unit personnel who investigate serious crimes. There are also Police Academy Cadets training to become officers, Mounted Police on horses, K9 Policemen with dogs, Police Aviation personnel who fly airplanes and helicopters, Water Policemen who work near water, and Gegana Bomb Disposal operators who handle dangerous situations safely. Each group plays an important role in keeping people safe and maintaining order.

List of Chiefs of Police (Kapolri)

Main article: Chief of the Indonesian National Police

This section lists the leaders of the Indonesian National Police. These leaders help manage and guide the police force to keep the country safe. Each leader has important roles in making sure the police work well and follow the rules.

In popular culture

Film

Some movies have shown stories about police work or police characters:

Menumpas Teroris, 1986 - starring Barry Prima and El Manik
Arie Hanggara, 1985 - A true story starring Deddy Mizwar
The Police, 2009 - starring Vino G. Bastian
The Raid, 2011 - starring Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim and Donny Alamsyah
Java Heat, 2013 - starring Kellan Lutz, Ario Bayu and Mickey Rourke
22 Minutes, 2018 - starring Ario Bayu
Sayap Sayap Patah, 2022 - Based from 2018 Mako Brimob standoff starring Nicholas Saputra and Ariel Tatum

Television

Some TV shows have police themes:

86 - 2014–present (based on the show Cops), shown on NET TV every Monday to Friday at 6 am Western Indonesian Time
The Police, every day at 11 pm Western Indonesian Time on Trans 7
Cleansing Kalijodo, 2016. Starring Ario Bayu and Fauzi Baadila on Crime + Investigation