General Secretary, Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) – Indramayu Regency
Indramayu, October 12, 2026
Standing at the pulpit of the Al-Ikhlash Mosque—located within the National Police Headquarters complex—to deliver the Friday sermon on October 9, 2026, may not have been an extraordinary event for the newly inaugurated National Police Chief, General Suyudi Ario Seto; yet, the public has enthusiastically expressed its appreciation.
From the author’s perspective, what makes this truly significant is that the rank and office he holds serve to reinforce the awareness that spirituality guides the integrity of his leadership within the vast institution of the *Korps Bhayangkara*—the Indonesian National Police. In the pulpit Friday he reminded that “rank and position are trustworthy” – he said,
reminds the author of the book “Nahjul Balaghah”, a collection of sermons and (political) letters attributed to the Caliph Sayyidina Ali bin Abi Talib,
In one of his letters sent to Malik Al Asytar, the Governor of Egypt at that time, Ali bin Abi Talib wrote this letter:
“The people are divided into two. The people as brothers in faith and the people as fellow human brothers in creation. You must treat everyone fairly. Be a protective leader for all the people,” wrote Ali bin Abi Talib
In another letter in the book above, Ali Bin Abi Tholib wrote a message in the original Arabic text that reads like this:
“Wala takunanna inni mu’ammarotun fa utha’a”, don’t, because you were elected as an official in a legal way, force the people to obey you 100% without reservation, without criticism,” he wrote.
The two quotes from Ali bin Abi Tholib’s letter above in the author’s interpretation are “related” to what is meant in the National Police Chief’s sermon that “rank and position are trustworthy”. The emphasis of the diction “trust” goes beyond just administrative responsibility, more than that, “divine moral” responsibility.
The words “faith”, trust” and “aman” are three words born from the same root. A person who “believes” correctly, the output will definitely be “trust” in his position. If “faith” and “trust” reflect the professionalism of his position, a sense of “security” will be created in society.
The Friday sermon delivered by Police General Suyudi serves as a significant opening to his leadership era, underscoring that “spirituality” (faith) guides the steadfastness of “integrity” (trustworthiness), thereby fostering the sense of “security” that is the primary duty of the police force.
Little is publicly known about National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto, other than the fact that he is a native son of Pandeglang, Banten—raised amidst local wisdom and a social ecosystem strictly bound by the cultural and religious norms characteristic of the region.
He embodies the profile of a professional high-ranking police officer who rose through the ranks from the bottom up. His career has been free of controversy; he remains steadfast in propriety and ethics, having “passed the test” of integrity while leading the National Narcotics Agency (BNN)—an institution fraught with high-stakes temptations.
Moreover, he has remained aloof from political factions and affiliations—no small feat in an era where politics has encroached upon the police institution, giving rise to the public term “brown party” (referring to the police uniform).
His career trajectory is grounded in his ability to exercise authority and influence within a framework of ethical principles, the strength of local wisdom, and his own steadfast character.
Therefore, let us support his tenure as National Police Chief—not through excessive adulation, but also without rushing to judgment based on tendentious framing in social media.
Far more important is offering support through what social scientists call “meaningful participation.”
That is the essence of the National Police’s new tagline: “Police with the Community.” That is also the message behind General Suyudi’s sermon: that a position of office is a sacred trust. While a term of office is fleeting, a “legacy” endures through time, leaving a lasting mark on the hearts of the people.
Best wishes in your service, General.
Sincerely,
——
