Analysis of the Enforcement of Dishonorable Discharge of Police Members Who Violate the Code of Ethics, as Seen in Police Regulation Number 7 of 2022

Abstract

As a nation governed by law, the Indonesian National Police (Polri) holds the fundamental duty of maintaining security, public order, and enforcing the law. However, the high number of behavioral deviations, such as the involvement of individual officers in serious criminal acts (for example, assault resulting in death, as in the case within the jurisdiction of the Central Java Regional Police), marks a dark chapter that damages the institution's image and credibility in the public eye. This condition necessitates the application of the severest sanction, the Dishonorable Discharge (PTDH), as a mechanism for accountability. This study aims to analyze: 1) the mechanism for enforcing PTDH against Polri members who violate the code of ethics in accordance with Police Regulation Number 7 of 2022 (Perpol 7/2022); 2) the factors contributing to the occurrence of PTDH; and 3) the impact of PTDH sanction implementation on the image and public trust in the Polri institution. This research employs a normative juridical method (normative legal research), with a statute approach and a case approach. The research type is descriptive analytical, comprehensively examining prevailing laws and regulations (including Law No. 2 of 2002, Government Regulation No. 1 of 2003, and Perpol No. 7 of 2022) and their enforcement practices, with a case study in the jurisdiction of the Central Java Regional Police. The theoretical framework utilized includes the Theory of Legal Certainty, the Theory of Professional Ethics, and the Theory of Law Enforcement.  The research findings indicate that the PTDH mechanism is strictly enforced, particularly for severe categories of the Polri Professional Code of Ethics (KEPP) violations, as defined in Article 17 paragraph (3) of Perpol 7/2022. The fundamental factors contributing to violations leading to PTDH are the abuse of power, the failure to internalize ethics and professionalism, and a "shortcut" mentality involving violence. Strict PTDH enforcement serves as a crucial self-cleansing mechanism. This highest sanction functions as a vital tool for accountability, image restoration, and deterrent effect. The consistent, fair, and transparent application of PTDH is tangible evidence of Polri's commitment to upholding integrity, legal certainty, and professionalism.