Indonesia’s president nominates new police chief after force faces scrutiny

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has nominated National Narcotics Agency chief Suyudi Ario Seto to replace Listyo Sigit Prabowo as national police chief. Habiburokhman, chairman of the House Commission on Legal Affairs, confirmed that parliament had received a presidential letter proposing Listyo’s dismissal and Suyudi’s appointment. The commission was tasked with conducting Suyudi’s fit-and-proper test.

The move follows weeks of speculation about a change in leadership amid reports of alleged impunity, abuse of power and police brutality during Listyo’s tenure. Listyo, who was appointed under former president Joko Widodo, had served for more than five years. The police faced several high-profile controversies during that period.

These included the conviction of internal-affairs chief Ferdy Sambo for killing his bodyguard in 2022 and criticism after a police armoured vehicle struck and killed delivery rider Affan Kurniawan during nationwide protests last year. Listyo was also involved in tensions with the Attorney General’s Office over overlapping corruption and money-laundering investigations involving senior officials at both institutions. Parliament’s commission endorsed Suyudi’s appointment and approved Listyo’s honourable discharge.

At his hearing, Suyudi presented a vision titled “Police with the Community”, promising closer cooperation with local communities. He has held senior police posts and led the National Narcotics Agency since August 25 last year. Observers said he would face challenges including organisational restructuring, unfinished cultural reforms, technological change and strengthening police independence.