Jakarta, LiterasiHukumCom – Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam), Mahfud MD, has accepted an offer from President Prabowo Subianto to join the Police Reform Committee. This step is the government's response to the wave of demonstrations that claimed lives at the end of last August. The certainty of Mahfud's joining was confirmed by the Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg), Prasetyo Hadi. According to him, although there has been no official appointment for the position of chairman, Mahfud has expressed his willingness. "Alhamdulillah, he (Mahfud) expressed his willingness to join," said Prasetyo at the parliament complex, Jakarta, on Tuesday (23/9). Prasetyo added that the committee, which will consist of nine figures, will also be filled by several former Police Chiefs. The official announcement regarding the complete composition of the committee will be made after President Prabowo returns from his overseas visit.

Mahfud's Main Focus: Improving Police Culture

Separately, Mahfud MD confirmed that he had accepted the offer. His willingness was conveyed directly when he met with Cabinet Secretary (Seskab) Teddy Indra Wijaya the previous week, Tuesday (16/9). Mahfud stated that his involvement was a form of contribution to the country. More than just joining, Mahfud provided sharp views on three aspects that need to be reformed within the police force, namely rules, apparatus, and culture. However, he emphasized that the most urgent problem is cultural improvement. According to him, the most urgent problem that must be improved is the culture within the Bhayangkara Corps. "The police have lost their culture, a culture of service," explained Mahfud. "All the good rules already exist in the Law, but the culture is bad." He highlighted negative perceptions in society, such as extortion practices and backing illegal. Furthermore, Mahfud criticized the death of the meritocracy system, where strategic positions are often obtained through closeness to leaders or even by paying, not based on achievement and competence. "Good people find it difficult (to get promoted)," he concluded.