Law and security Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR) has called on the National Police (Polri) to ensure public participation in its ongoing reform program, stressing that community involvement is crucial to restore trust and strengthen the legitimacy of the institution’s transformation efforts.

Legislator from the National Awakening Party (PKB), Abdullah, said the formation of the Police Reform Transformation Team, established by National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo on September 17, 2025, was a significant step to address internal challenges. However, he cautioned that the initiative must not be reduced to a mere image-building exercise.

“We fully support the formation of the Police Reform Team. But I remind the leadership that this must not be just institutional cosmetics or public relations. What people expect are real changes within Polri,” Abdullah told reporters on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

The reform team consists of 52 officers, 47 senior and five mid-level, led by Police Education and Training Institute head Commissioner General Chryshnanda Dwilaksana. They are tasked with coordinating with relevant stakeholders, drafting action plans, and proposing budget needs as part of their mandate.

Abdullah emphasized that the police currently face mounting challenges in regaining public confidence following cases of misconduct, abuse of power, and unprofessional behavior among officers. To address this, he urged the team to involve academics, civil society groups, community leaders, and students in the reform agenda.

“Polri must open itself to input from society. By engaging experts and civic groups, reform will not only be an internal agenda but a collective movement involving the entire nation,” he said, adding that recommendations must translate into tangible policies and new work culture.

Meanwhile, the government is preparing a separate Police Reform Committee, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, which will include nine personnel from various backgrounds.

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that former national police chiefs would be invited to join, alongside figures such as former coordinating political, legal, and security affairs minister Mahfud MD, who has already agreed to participate.

Prasetyo added that the committee would begin work after President Prabowo’s return from an overseas trip, without a specified deadline for its mandate.