Jakarta, July 2, 2025 — In a bold leap toward futuristic policing, Indonesia has unveiled a new generation of robotic law enforcement units during a grand parade marking the 79th anniversary of the Indonesian National Police (Polri). Held in Jakarta, the event showcased 25 state-of-the-art humanoid and canine-style robots equipped with artificial intelligence to assist in maintaining public safety and order.
The robots, developed as part of Polri’s modernization and digitization strategy, are designed to handle a variety of critical functions. These include facial recognition, bomb disposal, narcotics detection, traffic monitoring, and even crowd and riot control. The initiative aligns Indonesia with a growing list of countries—such as the United States, China, and the United Arab Emirates—that are incorporating robotics into public security systems.
During the ceremony, Indonesian Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo emphasized the role of innovation in enhancing law enforcement efficiency. “These AI-driven robots will support our officers in high-risk and routine operations, enabling faster, safer, and smarter policing,” he said. The move, he added, marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s digital transformation within the public safety sector.
Robotic Capabilities
The robotic units are divided into two main categories: humanoid bots and robotic canines. The humanoid robots are equipped with advanced sensors, real-time communication systems, and mobility features to interact with citizens and patrol public areas. The canine-style robots are more compact, agile, and designed for terrain navigation in operations such as drug detection, bomb searches, and rescue missions.
Some robots are equipped with high-resolution cameras capable of facial recognition, connected to a centralized database for identifying persons of interest. Others are designed to disperse tear gas or carry out crowd control tasks during mass gatherings or civil unrest.
Ethical and Privacy Concerns
While the unveiling received praise from segments of the public and tech industry, it has also reignited global debates about the ethical use of robotics in policing. Privacy advocates have raised concerns over the potential misuse of facial recognition and AI surveillance technologies.
“While AI can increase policing efficiency, unchecked deployment without oversight could infringe on civil liberties,” said Niken Adi Putri, a researcher at the Jakarta-based Institute for Digital Ethics. “Transparency and regulation will be crucial to ensure these tools do not violate citizens’ rights.”
A Global Trend
Indonesia’s move follows a broader international trend. In the U.S., police departments in cities like New York and San Francisco have tested robot dogs and surveillance bots. China employs robotic patrol units in transportation hubs, and Dubai introduced its first robotic police officer in 2017. As nations race toward automation in public safety, the line between technology and ethics continues to blur.
Polri officials confirmed that these robotic units will first be deployed in high-security urban zones and later extended to airports, government buildings, and event venues. Training programs are already underway to familiarize human officers with the AI interface and control systems of the robots.
Conclusion
The launch of robotic police forces signals a new era in law enforcement in Indonesia. With the promise of safer operations and more efficient policing, the initiative also brings challenges that require careful policy consideration. How Indonesia navigates this high-tech transformation could serve as a model—or a warning—for other developing nations embracing AI in governance.
Sources:
- Jakarta Post
- Antara News
- Channel News Asia
- Indonesia Police Official Website
