Navigating law enforcement in a foreign country can be daunting. This comprehensive guide provides essential information about Indonesian police stations, helping you understand their functions, how to seek assistance, and what to expect when interacting with the police.

Understanding the Indonesian National Police (POLRI)

The Indonesian National Police (POLRI, Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia) is the national police force responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the archipelago. It operates independently under the President and is responsible for a wide range of duties, from criminal investigation and traffic control to counter-terrorism and community policing.

Structure of POLRI

POLRI is structured hierarchically, with the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta overseeing regional and local police units. At the regional level, you'll find Polda (Regional Police), responsible for an entire province. Beneath Polda are Polres (District Police) and Polsek (Sector Police), serving individual cities/regencies and sub-districts, respectively. For example, if you are in Surabaya, you would likely interact with the Polres Surabaya or one of its Polsek.

Understanding this structure is crucial because it dictates where you should go for specific issues. For minor incidents or reporting a crime in your local area, a Polsek is usually the first point of contact. For more serious crimes or issues that span across multiple districts, the Polres might be more appropriate. If the issue is of national importance or involves multiple provinces, the Polda or even the National Police Headquarters may become involved. The key is to start at the local level and escalate if necessary. This ensures the relevant authorities are notified and can take appropriate action. Familiarizing yourself with the structure beforehand can save you time and effort when seeking assistance.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintaining Public Order: Ensuring peace and security in communities.
• Criminal Investigation: Investigating crimes and apprehending offenders.
• Traffic Control: Managing traffic flow and enforcing traffic laws.
• Law Enforcement: Upholding the law and ensuring compliance.
• Community Policing: Building relationships with communities to prevent crime.

Locating a Police Station in Indonesia

Finding a police station in Indonesia is usually straightforward, especially in urban areas. Here's how you can locate one:

• Online Search: Use Google Maps or other online map services to search for "Polsek" (Sector Police) or "Polres" (District Police) followed by the name of the city or area you are in. For example, "Polsek Denpasar Selatan".
• Ask Locals: Indonesians are generally helpful. Ask hotel staff, shopkeepers, or locals for directions to the nearest police station.
• Check Official Websites: Some cities or regions have online directories of government offices, including police stations. Try searching the official website of the city or regency you're in.

Remember to note down the address and contact number of the police station closest to your location, just in case you need it. It's always better to be prepared.

Reporting a Crime or Incident

If you need to report a crime or incident, here's what you should do:

1. Go to the Nearest Police Station: Head to the Polsek or Polres closest to where the incident occurred.
2. Report to the Officer on Duty: Explain the situation clearly and calmly to the officer on duty (petugas piket).
3. File a Police Report (Laporan Polisi): You will need to provide details about the incident, including the time, location, and any witnesses. The officer will then create a laporan polisi (police report).
4. Obtain a Copy of the Report: Make sure you get a copy of the laporan polisi as proof that you have reported the incident. This document is essential for insurance claims or other legal purposes.

Essential Information for Reporting

• Your personal details: Full name, address, phone number, and passport number (if you are a foreigner).
• Details of the incident: Date, time, and location of the incident. A clear and concise description of what happened. Information about any witnesses.
• Evidence (if any): Photos, videos, or any other evidence that supports your claim.

Interacting with the Indonesian Police

Here are some tips for interacting with the Indonesian police:

• Be Respectful: Address officers politely and respectfully. Use formal language and avoid raising your voice.
• Stay Calm: Even if you are stressed or upset, try to remain calm and composed.
• Be Clear and Concise: Explain your situation clearly and avoid providing unnecessary information.
• Be Prepared to Provide Documentation: Have your identification documents (passport, visa, driver's license) readily available.
• Ask for Clarification: If you don't understand something, don't hesitate to ask the officer to explain it.
• Consider Having a Translator: If you don't speak Bahasa Indonesia, consider bringing a translator with you.

Understanding Bahasa Indonesia Phrases

Knowing a few basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases can be incredibly helpful when interacting with the police. Here are some useful ones:

• Selamat pagi/siang/sore/malam: Good morning/afternoon/evening/night.
• Permisi: Excuse me.
• Maaf: Sorry.
• Tolong: Help.
• Saya tidak mengerti: I don't understand.
• Saya ingin melaporkan...: I want to report...
• Pencurian: Theft.
• Kecelakaan: Accident.
• Di mana kantor polisi terdekat?: Where is the nearest police station?

Common Scenarios and How to Handle Them

Understanding potential scenarios and how to handle them can ease anxiety and ensure effective communication. Here are a few common situations you might encounter:

Traffic Stops

• Remain Calm and Cooperative: If pulled over, stay calm and follow the officer's instructions.
• Provide Required Documents: Have your driver's license, vehicle registration, and any other required documents ready.
• Ask for Clarification: If you don't understand the reason for the stop, politely ask the officer to explain.
• Avoid Offering Bribes: Offering bribes is illegal and can lead to more serious consequences.

Reporting a Lost Item

• Go to the Nearest Police Station: Report the loss to the nearest Polsek.
• Provide a Detailed Description: Give a detailed description of the lost item, including its value and any identifying features.
• Obtain a Police Report: Get a copy of the laporan polisi for insurance purposes.

Dealing with Theft or Robbery

• Prioritize Safety: If you are a victim of theft or robbery, prioritize your safety. Do not resist the perpetrator.
• Report the Incident Immediately: Report the incident to the police as soon as possible.
• Provide Accurate Information: Give a detailed account of what happened, including the time, location, and description of the perpetrator.

Filing a Complaint Against the Police

While most interactions with the Indonesian police are professional, there may be instances where you feel you have been treated unfairly. In such cases, you have the right to file a complaint.

• Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your complaint, such as photos, videos, or witness statements.
• File a Written Complaint: Submit a written complaint to the Propam (Profesi dan Pengamanan), the internal affairs division of the police.
• Follow Up on Your Complaint: Keep track of your complaint and follow up with the Propam to inquire about the status of your case.

Additional Resources and Important Contacts

Having access to additional resources and important contacts can be invaluable in case of emergencies.

• National Police Hotline: 110 (This is a general emergency number and can be used to contact the police)
• Tourist Police: In major tourist destinations like Bali, you can find dedicated Tourist Police officers who speak English and can assist with tourist-related issues.
• Embassy or Consulate: Contact your embassy or consulate for assistance with legal matters or emergencies.

Conclusion

Understanding the Indonesian police system and knowing how to interact with law enforcement is essential for a safe and trouble-free experience in Indonesia. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this guide, you can navigate interactions with the police confidently and ensure your rights are protected. Remember to be respectful, stay calm, and be prepared to provide necessary documentation. And most importantly, remember that the Indonesian police are there to help you.