Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto is planning to set up a new commission dedicated to driving reforms in the police force, according to a group of public figures and religious leaders.

Prabowo recently hosted Gerakan Nurani Bangsa (National Conscience Movement or GNB), which encompasses public figures and faith leaders, on three-hour talks at his palace on Thursday, a meeting taking place amidst the government’s attempt to cool down the nationwide unrest. GNB member Gomar Gultom told the press later that day the talks revolved around police reforms.

“We want to see an evaluation and reforms in the police -- something that Prabowo has welcomed. [He will] also set up a team or commission to oversee these police reforms. I believe that many people have demanded the same thing as well,” Gomar said.

Gomar, who was the former chief of the Indonesian Association of Churches, said that Prabowo had already prepared the concept for the commission. Prabowo will reveal the technical details of this commission when the time comes, according to Gomar.

Former Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin revealed that Prabowo had agreed to set up an independent investigation commission on August's deadly protests. “Prabowo has already said yes, but the palace will reveal the details soon,” Lukman told reporters.

At least 10 people died in the wave of protests across Indonesia that began late August. A mobile brigade police tactical vehicle fatally ran over Affan Kurniawan, an online ride-hailing driver who was on a food delivery job in the area of protest in Jakarta.

Affan’s death caused the protests to dramatically grow in size, with many protesters slamming the police brutality. Just a few days ago, Prabowo gathered Indonesia’s senior reporters at his Hambalang residence to discuss the public demands during the protests, including the proposal for an independent probe into the deaths of Affan and other victims of police violence.

“I think this is reasonable. We can discuss it and see what form it takes,” Prabowo said over the weekend.

Add as a preferred source on Google +