HARIANEXPRESS – The government has confirmed that no Presidential Letter (Surpres) has been issued regarding the replacement of the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. This official statement aims to put an end to ongoing public speculation about a potential leadership change for the nation’s top police officer.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi delivered this crucial clarification after attending a limited coordination meeting at the Coordinator Ministry for Food Affairs Office in Jakarta on Thursday, August 6, 2026. He explicitly assured journalists that no Presidential Letter concerning a change in police leadership exists.
Palace Confirms No Presidential Letter for Kapolri Replacement
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi clarified that the government has not issued a Presidential Letter concerning the replacement of the National Police Chief.
This statement was made to address ongoing speculation regarding a potential change for General Listyo Sigit Prabowo from his position as Kapolri.
Prasetyo delivered this denial after attending a limited coordination meeting at the Coordinator Ministry for Food Affairs Office in Jakarta on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
When asked by journalists, he confirmed the absence of a Presidential Letter regarding the police leadership change.
Parliament Also Confirms No Official Process
This confirmation from the Palace supports earlier clarifications issued by the leadership of Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR).
Chairman of Commission III DPR Habiburokhman stated that his institution had investigated the circulating information.
He further confirmed that the DPR had not received any presidential letter concerning the Kapolri replacement.
According to Habiburokhman, DPR leadership also coordinated with the Palace to verify the news, and checks showed no formal Kapolri replacement process was underway in parliament.
Kapolri Assures Police Performance Unaffected
General Listyo Sigit Prabowo previously responded to the issue by stating his readiness to follow any presidential decision.
As a member of the National Police, he affirmed his commitment to implement policies set through constitutional mechanisms.
Listyo also ensured that the developing speculation would not impact the police’s performance of its duties.
The National Police remains committed to maintaining public security and order, enforcing laws, and providing services to the public.
Legal Framework for Kapolri Replacement Requires DPR Approval
Legally, the appointment and dismissal of the National Police Chief cannot be done through a unilateral decision.
Article 11 of Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the Indonesian National Police stipulates that the Kapolri is appointed and dismissed by the President with the approval of the DPR.
The President must submit a proposal for the appointment or dismissal of the Kapolri to the DPR, including the accompanying reasons.
Upon receiving the letter, the DPR follows a discussion mechanism before providing its approval or rejection in accordance with applicable regulations.
For the appointment of a Kapolri, the President’s proposal is reviewed by Commission III DPR, which includes a fit and proper test for the proposed candidate.
The discussion outcomes are then brought to a plenary session to secure DPR approval.
Therefore, a Presidential Letter is a key indicator of the formal commencement of the police leadership change process.
The Constitutional Court in October 2025 re-emphasized that the DPR’s involvement in the appointment and dismissal of the Kapolri is part of the oversight and balance mechanism between state institutions.
DPR approval is considered to promote transparency, accountability, and participation in the exercise of presidential authority.
No Formal Process in Parliament Yet
With no Presidential Letter received by the DPR, as of Thursday, August 6, 2026, no official stages for the Kapolri replacement have begun within the legislative body.
The government’s statement simultaneously refutes reports that the change in leadership of the Bhayangkara Corps has entered administrative processing.
Listyo Sigit Prabowo has served as Kapolri since January 2021.
Before leading the National Police, he held positions such as Head of the Criminal Investigation Agency of the National Police and Head of the Banten Regional Police.
Both the government and the DPR urge the public to prioritize information from official channels.
They ask the public not to draw conclusions about changes in strategic state positions based solely on unconfirmed news.
Accurate information is essential in matters concerning strategic state positions to maintain a healthy public discourse and prevent unwarranted unrest.
