Sultan Abdurrahman, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto's plan to promote police officers injured during recent protests has sparked criticism from the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH). The LBH argues that these promotions are inappropriate while many protesters are still injured or have died.

Muhammad Fadhil Alfathan, the director of LBH Jakarta, said that while promotions for officers are common, extraordinary promotions should only be given if the officers have performed their duties well.

"The problem here is that it is not yet certain whether the police officers have performed their duties well or not," Fadhil said on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

He believes the president should first ensure that any officers receiving promotions act according to regulations.

"When people have died, is it appropriate to reward with a promotion? This is a premature statement that actually hurts the victims from the community," he added.

Earlier, President Prabowo instructed the Chief of National Police, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, to promote the injured police officers as a form of appreciation for their service.

"We are requested and instructed to promote, educate, and give the best appreciation to our soldiers who have worked hard and become victims," Sigit said on Monday, September 1, 2025, at the Kramat Jati Police Hospital. He stated that he would follow up on the president's order immediately.

Previously, Commissioner Yoan Hendri, Head of Public Relations at the Kramat Jati Police Hospital, reported that 31 police personnel were being treated after the demonstrations on Thursday, August 28, 2025. They were taken to the hospital with various injuries and received immediate intensive care.

– Hanin Marwah contributed to the report

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2045603/promotions-for-injured-police-officers-criticized-amid-public-death