Brigadier General Secondment Phenomenon: Why Many One-Star Generals Serve in Other State Institutions

The phenomenon of assigning high-ranking Indonesian National Police (Polri) officers to non-police institutions has become a highlight, especially involving one-star Generals, or Brigjen Pol. This assignment, known as secondment outside the structure, is not without reason, but is a human resource management strategy that involves synergy between state institutions. These placements utilize the specific expertise of Polri members, particularly in intelligence, law enforcement, and security, which are needed by other agencies.

One of the main reasons for the secondment of Brigjen Pol to other institutions is the need for pro justitia and investigation expertise. Agencies such as the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), and even the Financial Services Authority (OJK) require personnel skilled in investigation and inquiry processes. The capabilities possessed by a Brigjen Pol are tested in handling complex cases and having a deep understanding of criminal legal procedures.

In addition to technical expertise, these assignments also aim to strengthen coordination and integration between agencies. The presence of high-ranking Polri officers in other institutions facilitates communication flow and cooperation, especially in joint operations that require police authority. This synergy is vital, for example, in handling terrorism or cybercrime, where speed and inter-departmental coordination greatly determine the success of the operation.

However, the phenomenon of Brigjen Pol secondment also sparks debate regarding the availability and regeneration within Polri’s internal structure. There is a concern that placing the best officers outside the structure might reduce the number of quality personnel who should be filling strategic positions within the police force itself. Therefore, the secondment policy must be strictly regulated, ensuring that the placements are truly based on the needs of the receiving institution and do not disrupt Polri’s organizational needs.

In conclusion, the secondment of Brigjen Pol to other state institutions is a manifestation of the one-stop government principle, which emphasizes cross-sector cooperation. This is a legitimate strategy to utilize the specialized expertise of Polri for broader national interests. Transparent and merit-based arrangements are necessary to ensure this practice brings maximum benefit to the performance of state institutions while maintaining police professionalism.