TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian asked Public Order Agency or Satpol PP officers to prioritize persuasive approaches in enforcing the COVID-19 public activity restrictions or PPKM policy. He made the statement during an online briefing for the heads of Satpol PP of all the nation's provinces, regencies and cities on Monday, July 19.

Tito said Satpol PP officers are bound by a code of ethics that is in accordance with the prevailing regulations. “Don’t liken Satpol PP with thugs. [Wearing] a prestigious uniform, but acting like thugs, that must not happen. Being a Satpol PP officer is a noble, respected profession that is needed by the community,” he said in a written statement on Monday.

Police units, including Satpol PP, must follow certain approaches in enforcing the regulations. Persuasive approaches and the dissemination of information are the initial stages, while coercive approaches are the last resort.

“This aims at disciplining the community, but field officers, our members, must first use persuasive approaches. Coercive approaches are the last resort, if necessary,” the former National Police Chief underlined.

Tito Karnavian said he did not justify violent acts carried out by officers in disciplining the community. “We remain assertive, but in a humane fashion, using polite language as opposed to excessive force,” he said.

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DEWI NURITA