New Police Chief Vows to Enforce Public Health Orders

Jakarta. Newly-appointed National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo on Wednesday promised a deeper role by his institution to enforce health protocols amid the devastating coronavirus outbreak that has infected over a million people and killed more than 28,500 others in the country.
Describing public safety as the “supreme law”, Listyo said police involvement in imposing public health orders shouldn’t be disputed.
“We will be carrying out duties of enforcing the health protocols concerning the Covid-19 pandemic,” Listyo said shortly after being inaugurated as the country’s 25th police chief at the State Palace in Central Jakarta.
“We will take measures to increase public compliance to health protocols because for us public safety is the supreme law,” he added.
It’s up to regional governments to regulate public health orders concerning Covid-19 but nearly all provinces have mandated face covering while in public.
There are different rules on social restrictions among provinces, with fines becoming the most frequently used enforcement tool.
Police have come under public scrutiny after it killed six Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) members last month in their attempts to take the hardline group leader, Rizieq Syihab, for a questioning on health protocol violation charges.
Rizieq was summoned twice by the police after he held a wedding party for a daughter and led several public gatherings in November.
The incident occurred on Dec. 7 when a police car chasing a vehicle convoy carrying Rizieq was intercepted by FPI members in two cars, leading to the deadly shootout.
Rizieq turned himself in to the Jakarta Police on Dec. 12 and has since been detained.
Listyo, 51, replaces Idham Aziz who reaches retirement age at the end of this month.
For many, it comes to no surprise that Listyo becomes the president’s sole pick for the top post of the National Police. Listyo served as the district police chief in Solo when Jokowi was the mayor of the Central Java town in 2011.
He has also served as an assistant of the president.
A 1991 graduate of the Police Academy, Listyo became the first from his class to become a brigadier general when he was promoted as the provincial police chief in Banten in October 2016.
Within three years, he rose through the ranks to become the Criminal Investigation Agency head as a commissioner general.
Related Articles
Timor-Leste Honors Indonesian Police Chief for Supporting Democracy and Stability
Indonesian Police Chief Listyo Sigit and four senior officers received top honors from Timor-Leste for strengthening bilateral relations.Police Deny Requiring Foreign Journalists to Obtain Special Permit
A spokesman said accredited foreign journalists are free to travel throughout Indonesia without needing additional police authorization.Deadly House Explosion in East Java Linked to Firecrackers: Police
Officer Maryudi is facing an ethics tribunal for negligence that resulted in fatalities, Imam noted.National Police Chief Acknowledges Public Distrust in 2024 Amid Controversial Incidents
National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo acknowledges the declining public trust in the police, citing negative sentiment on social media.Police Seize Rp 2.5 Billion from Officers Accused of Extorting Malaysian Concertgoers in Jakarta
The officers will face an ethics tribunal next week following complaints from at least 45 Malaysian citizens.The Latest
France Walls Off Israeli Booths at Paris Air Show Over Gaza War Concerns
France erects black walls around Israeli booths at Paris Air Show to block offensive weapons displays, prompting strong protests from IsraelTrump Mobile Unveiled: $499 Gold Phone, $47 Plan, and MAGA Branding
Trump family unveils T1 Mobile: a $499 gold-colored phone and $47.45/month plan targeting Americans seeking “values-aligned” service.19 Suitcases of Cash Used to Buy Private Jet in Papua Corruption Case, KPK Says
KPK says Rp 1.2 trillion in cash packed in 19 suitcases was flown from Papua to buy a private jet in a massive corruption scandal.Is This the MPV That Will Kill the Alphard? BYD Registers M9 Design in Indonesia
BYD registers the design of its premium M9 MPV in Indonesia, signaling a potential launch amid the EV giant’s rapid market expansion.When the Newsmakers Became the Newscasters: VIPs Step Into the Studio at Beritasatu TV
Nothing out of the ordinary -- until you realize that the newscaster isn’t a trained journalist.Most Popular
