Indonesia’s new police chief faces pressure to deliver reform
Suyudi Ario Seto has become Indonesia’s police chief as the institution faces demands for greater accountability after a series of scandals. He has promised to curb illegal extortion and excessive force, but analysts differ over whether the appointment signals meaningful change or continued political control.
Indonesia’s new police chief, Suyudi Ario Seto, faces pressure to improve the image of a force criticised over scandals, accountability and political influence. Suyudi, 53, replaced Listyo Sigit Prabowo on Thursday after Parliament approved his appointment. President Prabowo Subianto also moved Listyo to head the Executive Office of the President, keeping the outgoing police chief close to the centre of government.
Analysts described Suyudi as a compromise candidate who could accommodate competing interests. He has held senior positions including Jakarta’s criminal investigation director, deputy director of the national cybercrime unit, Banten police chief and head of the National Narcotics Agency. During his parliamentary hearing, Suyudi promised a police service that was more responsive to public needs.
He said cases should not receive attention only after becoming viral and pledged to promote equality before the law, eliminate illegal extortion and curb excessive force. He said his ambition was for children to feel safe rather than afraid when they saw a police officer. However, analysts questioned whether the new chief would have sufficient independence to deliver change because the police report directly to the president.
The force has faced major scandals, including the conviction of a senior general for orchestrating the murder of a subordinate and the deaths of 135 people in a 2022 stadium stampede after police fired tear gas. Two officers were also dismissed this year over alleged payments sought from aspiring police recruits. A government reform commission has recommended changes including demilitarising police culture and restricting officers’ outside public roles.
Some polls nevertheless put public satisfaction with the force above 80 per cent. Critics say Suyudi’s early personnel decisions will test whether his reform promises are genuine.
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