inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Habiburokhman, praised the Indonesian National Police (INP)'s reform efforts regarding the institution's response to freedom of expression and opinion.
The Chairman of Commission III revealed that there have been ups and downs in the police's repressive response to freedom of expression and opinion.
According to Commission III records, between 2009 and 2014, there were 47 cases of arrests and detentions leading to trials related to expressing opinions.
Meanwhile, between 2014 and 2019, there were 240 cases. Repressiveness began to decline in the 2019–2024 period, with only 29 cases.
He attributed this decline to the issuance of INP Chief Circular Letter (SE) No. SE/2/II/2021 and INP Chief Regulation No. 8 of 2021 concerning Handling Criminal Acts Based on Restorative Justice by INP Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.
The INP Chief's Circular Letter No. SE/2/II/2021 emphasizes the imposition of criminal penalties as a last resort, particularly for handling cases involving electronic information and transactions (ITE).
"This circular prioritizes preemptive and preventive efforts through virtual police and virtual alerts, which aim to monitor, educate, and prevent the public from potential cybercrimes," said Habiburokhman on Monday (January 26, 2026).
Meanwhile, Chief Regulation No. 8 of 2021 concerning Handling Criminal Acts Based on Restorative Justice encourages resolving differences of opinion through a deliberation-based approach.
"These two regulations are the starting point for cultural reform of the National Police in responding to dissent," he said.
Habiburokhman stated that the new Criminal Code (KUHP) and Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) already fully regulate restorative justice mechanisms. He believes the new Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) will further reduce the level of repressiveness of the National Police in responding to freedom of expression and opinion.
(ad/inp/pr/rs)
