The move comes amid growing concerns over incidents of police misconduct
Indonesia’s House of Representatives is drafting new legislation that would make it mandatory for police interrogation and detention rooms to be equipped with security cameras, as part of broader reforms to prevent abuse, intimidation, and violence against suspects and witnesses.
The Legal Affairs Commission, which is leading the initiative, aims to include this provision in the upcoming amendments to the Criminal Procedures Code (KUHAP). According to Commission Chairman Habiburokhman, the inclusion of mandatory surveillance is a key step towards increasing transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.
“One of the crucial provisions in the Criminal Procedures Code bill is the mandatory use of surveillance cameras inside interrogation rooms and detention facilities,” Habiburokhman said on Monday in Jakarta.
The move comes amid growing concerns over incidents of police misconduct. Habiburokhman pointed to a recent case in Palu, Central Sulawesi, where a detainee died under suspicious circumstances. Footage from a surveillance camera later revealed that the individual had allegedly been tortured by police officers during interrogation.
“The case in Palu was uncovered after investigators reviewed footage from security cameras, which confirmed acts of torture against the detainee,” he said.
If passed, the proposed law would require every provincial police headquarters to install surveillance systems across interrogation and detention facilities. The objective is to safeguard detainees’ rights and deter potential abuses during custodial procedures.
“These devices are now widely available at affordable costs. We will support the use of the state budget to fund their procurement,” Habiburokhman added, noting that cost should not be a barrier to upholding human rights. He represents the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra).
While the police would be responsible for managing and operating the surveillance systems, the legislation also includes a mechanism for judicial oversight. Criminal suspects, defendants, and public prosecutors would be able to request access to the footage through a court order, especially in cases where it may be relevant to legal proceedings.
This step is being viewed as a response to growing demands for better safeguards and independent oversight in the criminal justice process. Human rights advocates have long called for reforms to address reports of mistreatment during detention and interrogation, particularly in cases where there is little evidence beyond police statements.
The bill, once finalised and passed, could mark a significant shift in Indonesia’s legal landscape, potentially strengthening protections for individuals in police custody and reinforcing public trust in the justice system.
