Civilian or retired National Police Chief? Susno Duadji: There are so many choices

FAJAR.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Former Head of the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Commissioner General of Police (Purn) Susno Duadji, also spoke regarding the discourse on Government Regulations which gave rise to a new interpretation regarding the chances of the National Police Chief coming from civilian circles or retired officers.

Susno emphasized that if this provision does open up space for figures other than active Polri officers to occupy the position of Chief of Police, then the leadership options within the Bhayangkara Corps will actually be wider.

“If it is true that the National Police Chief can be a civilian or retired officer, then there will be many choices for the National Police leader,” said Susno on X @susno2g (22/12/2025).

Previously, Criminal Law Expert at UIN Alauddin Makassar, Rahman Syamsuddin, emphasized that this step could not be considered a simple solution to the polemic that had been emerging.

“This raises serious legal issues,” said Rahman to dawn.co.id, Monday (22/12/2025).

He explained that the practice of placing National Police members in civilian positions has so far been carried out through National Police Regulations (Perpol).

However, this mechanism is often criticized because it is said to be in conflict with the Constitutional Court decision which emphasizes the separation of civil and security apparatus functions.

Rahman said that the difference between Perpol and PP lies in the hierarchy of regulations.

However, the substantial problem remains unchanged if the PP drafted still opens up space for active Polri to occupy civil positions without revision of the law.

“However, if the contents of the PP continue to allow Polri to actively occupy civil positions without changing the law, then in substance it remains problematic and has the potential to violate the principles of the rule of law,” he stressed.