ASPI’s report earlier this year on the police-to-police relationship between Australia and Indonesia is well timed; with Indonesia’s election cycle already underway, many will be evaluating the country’s governance—including the role of law enforcement agencies. The report reviews the role Australia plays in supporting and partnering with Indonesia’s main law enforcement body: the Indonesian National Police (POLRI). Among other conclusions, it notes the links between police cooperation and the broader bilateral framework of development assistance and political engagement. The report provides a good example of how POLRI’s achievements——such as the Bali bombing investigations—have strengthened its role and capacities vis-à-vis the armed forces, reinforcing a shift towards civilian leadership across the justice portfolio. That’s an important step towards democratising the rule of law. But PORLI still has some way to go.

Proud of progress since reformasi, POLRI’s leaders are keen to continue improving doctrinally and operationally. Still, POLRI has limited influence over political and social issues affecting the broader justice system, or even its partner institutions like the judiciary. It’s not in POLRI’s mandate or expertise to re-design the system overall or its position within it. As with other organisations, it’s challenging for police forces to conceive and drive their own reform. Read more