National Police Spending on Mass Action Handling Reaches Rp3.8 Trillion

Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) findings reveal that the Indonesian National Police (Polri) spent approximately Rp3.8 trillion (approximately US$250 million based on 2025 exchange rates) on equipment to handle mass protests between 2019 and 2025. This funding came from public taxes.

ICW identified 11 categories of purchased items. Rp1.53 trillion (40.3%), or 32 packages, was spent on riot control equipment sets, including helmets, vests, shields, batons, elbow and knee pads.

The second largest expenditure was Rp762.33 billion (20.1%) on vehicles (10 items). Rp702.62 billion (18.5%) was spent on batons (22 packages). Other significant purchases included shields (Rp229.43 billion, 6.0%), ammunition (Rp178.31 billion, 4.7%), gas masks, vests, and consumables.

(See also: [Link to article on increasing protests in Indonesia after 2019])

ICW suspects that excessive use of force by the Polri may have been used to justify the purchase of new equipment, rather than investing in intensive and holistic training for negotiators.

This aligns with ICW's 2023 records, which show that corruption in government procurement of goods and services accounted for 39% of all cases handled by law enforcement.

"With the current lack of transparency and accountability within the Polri, the risk of corruption in the procurement process increases," wrote ICW in a press release issued on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

ICW also highlighted President Prabowo's call for budget efficiency, arguing that the Polri should reduce or eliminate spending on riot control equipment.

(See also: [Link to article on Indonesian police force's crime resolution rates])

Referring to the principles of state financial management stipulated in Law No. 17 of 2003, ICW stated that state funds should be managed efficiently and responsibly, considering fairness and propriety.

"Therefore, it is unacceptable that the public, who are victims of non-transparent and non-participatory regulatory discussions, become victims of police violence when voicing their criticism of policymakers," said ICW.

ICW believes that this substantial budget should be redirected to address urgent needs in basic public services, many of which remain unmet.

This data was compiled by ICW from the Electronic Procurement Service (LPSE), an online system for procuring goods and services.

The following details the purchases of riot control equipment by the Polri from 2019-2025:

* Riot control equipment sets: Rp1.53 trillion (32 packages)
* Vehicles: Rp762.33 billion (10 items)
* Batons: Rp702.62 billion (22 packages)
* Shields: Rp229.43 billion (3 packages)
* Ammunition: Rp178.31 billion (6 packages)
* Gas masks: Rp154.53 billion (2 packages)
* Vests: Rp147.02 billion (4 packages)
* Eye protection: Rp51.94 billion (2 packages)
* Boots: Rp24.42 billion (1 package)
* Packaging & shipping: Rp20.37 billion (22 packages)
* Consumables: Rp1.13 billion (2 packages)
Total: Rp3.8 trillion

(See also: [Link to article on Sukatani band and their song "Pay the Police"])