Academia
Behind the grand spectacle of the 80th National Police anniversary, the force faces growing scrutiny over a stark, documented rise in state-sanctioned violence and civic repression. As new legislative frameworks expand police powers while dismantling oversight, the line between public security and political instrumentalization is blurring dangerously.
Police officers in full dress uniform take part in a parade on July 1, 2024, during a commemorative event for the 78th National Police anniversary at National Monument Square in Gambir, Central Jakarta. (Antara/Muhammad Adimaja)
The National Police (Polri) marked its 80th anniversary on July 1 with a colossal public parade. Yet behind the carefully choreographed spectacle lays a troubling irony: The institution popularly known as Bhayangkara faces unprecedented scrutiny over ongoing violence, torture and heavy-handed tactics inflicted on the very civilians it is mandated to protect.The data we compiled reveal a stark escalation in incidents of torture over the past two years. Between 2024 and 2025, we documented 66 such incidents with 116 people injured and 23 deaths. In 2025-2026, however, that figure jumped to 83 incidents resulting in 364 injured, though fatalities fell to 14.
