Understanding the Rank Structure of Police in Indonesia from Enlisted to High Officers

Kapanlagi.com - The rank system within the Indonesian National Police (Polri) is not merely a symbol, but a reflection of an organizational structure rich in history and meaning. Each rank not only indicates a position but also reflects the responsibilities, authorities, and achievements that have been attained by police members.

From the lowest to the highest level, the police rank structure includes various groups, ranging from enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers, to high-ranking officers. Interestingly, this ranking system has undergone various changes from the Dutch colonial era to the modern era we know today. Its origins can be traced back to the Bhayangkara Majapahit structure, which was a security unit tasked with protecting the kingdom in the past.

The transformation of modern policing began when the Dutch established local police units, which became the precursor to the formation of Polri as we know it today. Now, police ranks are more than just a professional identity; they symbolize a hierarchy that emphasizes the responsibility of serving the community. With a detailed and structured system, each rank has a unique role that is vital in maintaining the security of the state.

1. Brief History of the Police Rank System

The history of the police ranks flows like a river connecting the past and the present, starting from the era of the Majapahit kingdom with the presence of the legendary security unit, Bhayangkara. During the Dutch colonization, the face of modern policing began to take shape by involving local residents in maintaining security.

However, true transformation occurred after Indonesia gained independence, when the police force stood as a robust independent institution. The rank structure established within the police not only created a clear hierarchy but also reinforced an efficient command system, ensuring that every task is carried out effectively for the security of the nation.

2. Enlisted Rank Groups

In the police structure, the enlisted ranks may appear to be the lowest, but their role is truly indispensable. They are the frontline that carries out daily tasks in the field, ranging from event security to routine patrols.

With ranks such as Bhayangkara Dua (Bharada) to Ajun Brigadir Polisi Satu (Abriptu), each level is equipped with distinctive insignia that reflects their hierarchy, such as the red diagonal bar insignia indicating their position.

The enlisted ranks serve as a strong foundation for a police career, providing vital support to higher units in maintaining security and public order.

3. Non-Commissioned Officer Rank Group

The non-commissioned officer, as a bridge between enlisted personnel and officers, plays a vital role in the police structure. With various ranks, ranging from Second Police Brigadier (Bripda) to First Police Inspector (Aiptu), each non-commissioned officer has a unique insignia that reflects their identity—such as Bripda, who proudly bears a single silver chevron, and Aiptu, who displays two wavy silver chevrons.

They not only lead small teams in daily operations but also play an important role in maintaining coordination between units. Additionally, non-commissioned officers are often involved in training new enlisted personnel, making them an indispensable pillar in maintaining public safety and order.

4. First and Middle Officer Rank Group

In the police structure, first officers are represented by Second Police Inspector (Ipda), First Police Inspector (Iptu), and Police Commissioner (AKP), marked by a gold bar insignia—from one to three bars—and hold strategic positions in operational units.

Meanwhile, the middle officer group, which includes Police Commissioner (Kompol), Deputy Police Brigadier General (AKBP), and Police Brigadier General (Kombes Pol), is recognized by a gold jasmine flower insignia, also from one to three jasmine flowers.

They are not just leaders at the regional or national level, but also architects of strategies and policies to maintain regional security, serving as a link between field implementation and higher-level policies.

5. High-Ranking Officers: The Peak of the Police Hierarchy

In the world of policing, high-ranking officer positions such as Police Brigadier General (Brigjen Pol), Inspector General of Police (Irjen Pol), Police Commissioner General (Komjen Pol), and Police General play a very vital role.

At the top of the hierarchy, the majestic Police General with the emblem of four stars not only manages the police institution but also symbolizes strength and represents the state in maintaining security.

Each high-ranking officer has the noble duty to ensure that the strategic policies of the police align with the ideals of the nation, where each star on their uniform reflects the authority and great responsibility in maintaining public order and security.

6. What are the ranks in the Police?

Within the Indonesian National Police, there are three rank groups that form a clear hierarchy: enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers, and commissioned officers. Each of these groups has a unique rank structure, creating an orderly framework that facilitates the management and development of its members' careers.

7. What is the difference between enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers, and commissioned officers?

In the police structure, Enlisted personnel occupy the lowest rank, while Non-Commissioned Officers are in the middle as a bridge, and Commissioned Officers shine as the highest rank performing strategic tasks. These three levels complement each other, forming a strong synergy to maintain public safety and order.

8. How to become a high-ranking officer in the National Police?

In the journey to the peak of a career as a high-ranking officer, a member of the National Police must go through a series of challenging levels, undergo intensive special education, and build a stellar reputation through impressive achievements.

(kpl/srr)