Komnas Perempuan Press Release on the 77th Anniversary of Policewomen in Indonesia
“Policewomen: The Importance of Their Presence as the Frontline of Protecting Women’s Human Rights”
Jakarta, 1 September 2025
The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) extends its highest appreciation and respect to all Indonesian policewomen (Polwan), who for more than seven decades have stood at the forefront of ensuring protection, justice, and recovery for women, children, and other vulnerable groups. The commemoration of the 77th Anniversary of Polwan serves as a vital moment to reaffirm the police institution’s commitment to delivering fair, humane, and gender-responsive legal services.
According to Komnas Perempuan Commissioner Sundari Waris, policewomen represent the face of the state that is essential to be directly present among the people. They serve as a source of reassurance for women in conflict with the law, acting as a bridge for safety, protection, and empowerment for survivors of violence to seek justice.
“The presence of policewomen is crucial to demonstrate that law enforcement officers can work with a humanitarian perspective, particularly in addressing victims of gender-based violence,” she added.
Komnas Perempuan also underlines the strategic role of women in the police force. Commissioner RR. Sri Agustini explained that Polwan play an essential role in leading responses to cases of violence against women — from domestic violence, human trafficking, cybercrime, online gender-based violence, to sexual violence.
Agustini further stressed that based on police case records, Polwan still face major challenges in mainstreaming gender perspectives, particularly regarding cultural, structural, and legal substance issues. These challenges also include limited access to leadership opportunities within the police and in advocating for victims’ rights in the public sphere.
“The momentum of Polwan Day is a reminder that the state must strengthen their meaningful roles, not merely treat them symbolically,” said Agustini.
Komnas Perempuan noted the establishment of the Directorate of Women and Children Protection (Dit. PPA PPO) at the National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim Polri) at the national level, as well as the existence of Women and Children Service Units (Unit PPA) at district police (Polres) levels across Indonesia. The contribution of Polwan must continue to be strengthened within the police institution, serving as a gateway for women and child survivors of violence.
Sundari emphasized the urgent need to address the limited number of policewomen, especially in remote areas. Furthermore, support for gender-based services is essential to strengthen the role of Polwan.
Komnas Perempuan views the role of policewomen as crucial in the implementation of Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes (UU TPKS), which mandates the use of human rights frameworks in treating victims and women in conflict with the law.
Commissioner Sondang Friska also highlighted that Law No. 7 of 1984, ratifying the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), obligates state parties to eliminate discrimination and promote gender equality, including in the police sector. This includes women’s rights to serve as police officers and to have their rights fulfilled in carrying out their duties.
Furthermore, in relation to peacekeeping missions, the United Nations sets a target of 20–30% participation of policewomen, which should serve as a reference for Indonesia in strengthening police reforms. Such measures will help the police build public trust, uphold human rights, and ensure equal and non-discriminatory protection of citizens.
To this end, Komnas Perempuan highlights several key agendas that the state and police institutions must strengthen in order to enhance the role of policewomen:
Ensure adequate recruitment and equitable distribution of policewomen to remote areas, so that survivors nationwide have access to safe and humane services.
Strengthen policewomen’s capacity in handling gender-based cases, including through continuous education and psychosocial support.
Provide equal leadership opportunities for policewomen in strategic positions within the police force.
Increase budgetary support and facilities for the Directorate of PPA PPO, Bareskrim Polri, and Unit PPA to ensure victims receive swift, safe, and survivor-centered services.
Develop institutional policies that are gender-responsive, ensuring policewomen’s careers are not hindered by discrimination or double burdens.
Increase the number of policewomen and promote gender-responsive policing within the police force. This is not merely about numerical representation but a key strategy to provide more humane, inclusive, and sensitive security services for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
Policewomen are not only law enforcement officers but also bearers of hope for women survivors to achieve justice. Their voices and contributions serve as a compass to guide the police institution towards becoming more just, humane, and inclusive. The state must ensure that the role of policewomen continues to be strengthened, so that the law truly serves as a protector.
Contact Person:
Elsa Faturahmah (+62 813-8937-1400)
