The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) reported that the Indonesian National Police (Polri) carried out 23 extrajudicial killings, resulting in 29 deaths, between July 2025 and June 2026. The organization cited frequent use of excessive force, arbitrary arrests, and a lack of internal accountability within the police institution.
What specific violations did KontraS record?
In a report released in conjunction with the 80th Bhayangkara Day on July 1, 2026, KontraS documented a series of human rights concerns. The organization recorded 23 cases of extrajudicial killings that led to 29 deaths. KontraS Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya stated that 16 of these killings were the result of shootings, while nine others occurred due to torture.
The monitoring and advocacy period from July 2025 to June 2026 also revealed significant issues regarding detention and identity. KontraS documented 123 incidents of arbitrary arrests involving 4,631 citizens. Additionally, the organization recorded 19 cases of mistaken identity that caused 14 injuries. Among those injuries, nine involved torture, one involved a shooting, and one involved what KontraS described as inhuman acts.
Arya noted that these events indicate frequent violations of the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality. These principles are intended to serve as mandatory guidelines for all police actions.
Why does KontraS link impunity to police violence?
According to KontraS, the recurring practice of extrajudicial killings is fueled by impunity within the internal system of Polri. The organization stated that the police institution has not effectively applied ethical, disciplinary, or criminal sanctions against members who commit violations.
The organization argues that without these consequences, the culture of violence persists. KontraS is calling for the police to strengthen accountability and tighten internal supervision mechanisms to address these human rights concerns.
How could the new Polri Law expand police authority?
KontraS has criticized the new Polri Law, which was enacted on June 9, 2026. This regulation tasks the police with “protecting and securing vital national objects” and performing other duties as dictated by laws and regulations.
Dimas Bagus Arya warned that this specific provision could allow the government to expand police duties through various regulations. He stated that the law may allow Polri to be assigned “very broad tasks in line with the government’s desires or interests.”
What reforms are being requested?
To mitigate these issues, KontraS is urging Polri to abandon its current culture of impunity and violence. The organization’s recommendations include:
- Making serious improvements to supervision mechanisms.
- Strengthening the accountability of police members regarding human rights.
- Imposing sanctions on members proven to have committed violations through criminal law or ethical code mechanisms.
