How does an authoritarian state reform its police force following a transition to democracy? In 1998, Indonesia, the third largest country in the world, faced just such a challenge. This book explains the changing position of the police in the post-Suharto era in Indonesia.It focuses on two key areas: the differences between local and national levels, and the politicization associated with decentralization. Arguing that the disassociation of the Indonesian National Police from the military has achieved only limited success, the book contends that there is continued impetus for the establishment of a professional police and modern and democratic policing, which will entail an effective public control on the police.

Introduction: The Transition to Democracy and the Police: Theories and the Case of Indonesia Part 1: Historical Legacies and early Reformasi 1. The Police in Sukarno's Era: From Colonial State to the Overthrow of the Guided Democracy State 2. Under the Thumb: the Police During Suharto's New Order and Early Reformasi Part 2: Reformasi and its effect on the police 3. Politicization on the Police: The Struggle Over Wahid Presidential Control 4. Developing a More Independent and Professional of the Police Part 3: Consolidation, Development and Corruption 5. Resolving the Divisive Issues of the Rival Chiefs and the Group of Eight 6. Corruption in the Police Part 4: Local Perspectives 7. Cosmetic Changes: Roles of the Police in Local Areas 8. The Budget, Local Politics and Jealously 9. Politicization of the Police Part 5: National Perspectives 10. The Internal Conflicts and the Effect of Extortion Activities 11. The Police Budget and Extortion Activities 12. Conclusion: Disassociation and the Reforms of the Police - Its Position and Relationship in Post-Suharto Indonesia