Teknowarta – The National Police Headquarters’ decision to prohibit all personnel from live streaming or broadcasting while on duty has garnered strong support from the National Police Commission (Kompolnas). Kompolnas views this new policy as an appropriate and timely measure, particularly given its stated objective to enhance police professionalism.
“The live streaming ban imposed by the National Police Headquarters on its members, aimed at upholding professionalism, is something we consider vitally important,” stated Kompolnas Commissioner Choirul Anam on Tuesday (May 5).
According to Anam, Kompolnas had previously raised concerns regarding this issue. They had advised against police officers conducting live broadcasts during their duties, especially when interacting with or providing services to the public. He noted that the newly implemented policy by the National Police is a direct response to input and recommendations from Kompolnas.
“Therefore, we regard this step as a very positive development,” he added.
Anam acknowledged the undeniable importance of accountability and transparency in police work. However, he emphasized that these crucial aspects of law enforcement can be achieved through alternative methods, rather than through live streaming while on duty. He voiced apprehension that allowing police officers to live stream during their service could lead to neglect of their primary responsibilities.
“Transparency and accountability can be achieved in other ways, not by live streaming while working. If they are live streaming during work, there’s a risk that their duties will be neglected, and the focus will shift to their live stream. That logic simply doesn’t hold. As public servants and guardians of public safety, their main duty is not to create content,” Anam clarified.
The former commissioner of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) further explained that accountability and transparency in law enforcement and the execution of police duties can be maintained by routinely communicating the outcomes of their work to the public. This can be done either through regular reports or on a case-by-case basis for incidents handled by law enforcement.
“We therefore support accountability, but we do not endorse live streaming every police activity. If live streaming occurs, for instance, in the context of law enforcement, there might be information that could potentially harm the victim or even the suspect, information that is actually meant for court proceedings or for self-defense, which should not be made public,” he elaborated.
Anam underscored that in Indonesia’s legal process, all parties—victims and perpetrators alike—possess equal rights, including the right to seek justice. Consequently, Kompolnas believes that live streaming or direct broadcasts are unnecessary for every police operation.
Previously reported, the prohibition on live streaming or direct broadcasts on social media applies universally to all ranks of the police force. The National Police Headquarters reinforced this directive through a statement delivered by the Head of Public Relations of the National Police, Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir.
According to Isir, this policy was instituted as part of a broader effort to uphold professionalism and safeguard the institution’s public image. The National Police aims for all its personnel to exercise greater discretion in their social media usage, thereby bolstering public trust in the institution.
“This reinforcement is intended to foster a collective awareness among Polri members to use social media judiciously, while simultaneously preserving and enhancing the institution’s image, credibility, and reputation in a responsible, professional, proportional, and procedural manner,” he stated in an official release quoted on Tuesday (May 5).
Beyond a mere verbal command, the policy is formally underpinned by Telegram Letter Number STR/1517/VI/WAS.2/2024. This telegram serves as the foundational document for strengthening oversight of police personnel activities in the digital realm, particularly when performing official duties.
Furthermore, all members of the National Police are mandated to adhere strictly to the regulations stipulated in National Police Regulation Number 7 Year 2022 and Government Regulation Number 2 Year 2003 concerning member discipline. Isir highlighted that both regulations underscore the paramount importance of ethics, responsibility, and professionalism in all actions, including interactions on social media platforms.
The two-star general also affirmed that the use of social media remains permissible. However, the National Police is keen to ensure that such use is exclusively for public relations purposes and falls under the coordinated purview of the Police Public Relations function.
“Social media can be utilized positively to support the performance and productivity of the National Police, especially within the public relations function. However, its use must be coordinated and not conducted indiscriminately by members while on duty,” he firmly emphasized.
Summary
The National Police Headquarters has prohibited all personnel from live streaming or broadcasting while on duty, a decision strongly supported by the National Police Commission (Kompolnas). Kompolnas views this ban as a crucial and timely measure to enhance police professionalism. Kompolnas Commissioner Choirul Anam highlighted that this policy addresses previous concerns about officers live streaming during public interactions, aiming to prevent the neglect of primary duties and protect sensitive information.
Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, Head of Public Relations, explained that the policy upholds professionalism and safeguards the institution’s public image and credibility. This directive is formally reinforced by Telegram Letter Number STR/1517/VI/WAS.2/2024, mandating adherence to ethical and professional conduct regulations. While social media use remains permissible, it must be coordinated for official public relations purposes and not conducted indiscriminately by members while on duty.