Report: UNCRI Media Center Team
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Manokwari, 20 November 2025 — The Rector of Universitas Caritas Indonesia (UNCRI) Manokwari, Prof. Dr. Roberth Kurniawan Ruslak Hammar, S.H., M.Hum., M.M., CLA, offered a comprehensive response to Constitutional Court Ruling No. 114/PUU-XXIII/2025, which stipulates that active members of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) may only occupy civilian positions after resigning or retiring from police service.
Prof. Hammar described the ruling as a strategic step toward reinforcing civilian supremacy, preserving Polri’s neutrality, and safeguarding democratic integrity. He emphasized that clearly delineating the boundaries between civilian authority and law enforcement is essential for building accountable and professional governance.
“This ruling by the Constitutional Court is not merely about office-holding; it concerns the future direction of our democracy. Polri must remain true to its essential mandate—neutral, professional, and independent from political interests,” Prof. Hammar asserted.
While welcoming the decision, he cautioned that careful interpretation is required, particularly for assignments of police officers to positions with civilian functions that remain within the scope of policing duties.
“Constitutionally, police officers are part of the civil element. Assignment to a civilian post is permissible provided it aligns with the officer’s capacity, competence, and does not compromise neutrality,” he explained.
He clarified that if an officer’s role remains within the policing institution or supports core police functions, resignation may not be necessary. Conversely, if the assignment falls outside the police structure and involves genuine civil governance responsibilities, resignation or retirement is mandatory, in accordance with the Court’s ruling.
Prof. Hammar views the ruling as an opportunity for Polri to reflect, consolidate, and strengthen internal governance, enhance human resource development, and ensure that all officers have clear career paths guided by ethical and legal principles.
“This is not merely an administrative prohibition. It is an opportunity to evaluate and reinforce Polri’s role as a civil law enforcement institution, building public trust through professionalism and accountability,” he emphasized.
He further highlighted the importance of harmonizing the Police Law, the Civil Service Law (UU ASN), and the Constitutional Court’s ruling to prevent overlapping norms that could create bureaucratic confusion.
As a leading academic institution, UNCRI expressed its readiness to support police reform through research, public administration training, and the promotion of ethical awareness among state officials.
“We are committed to educating both officers and the public that office is not merely about holding a position, it is about responsibility, neutrality, and ethical service to the nation,” Prof. Hammar concluded.
Translated (Indonesian-English) by Leni Marlina, Editor of Suaraanaknegerinews.com
