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Indonesia has become the latest country to embrace automation in policing, unveiling a new lineup of robotic officers designed to support law enforcement operations across a range of scenarios. The robotic units were formally introduced during the 79th anniversary celebrations of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) on July 1, 2025, in Jakarta.
The event featured a live demonstration of 25 robotic officers, including humanoid robots, tank-like platforms, robot dogs, and more. All units were equipped with advanced AI capabilities and dressed in full uniforms, complete with berets and tactical gear.
According to Interesting Engineering, these AI-driven systems are intended to enhance operational safety and efficiency in tasks considered high-risk or repetitive. Core capabilities include bomb disposal, forensic evidence collection, search-and-rescue, and crowd control. Facial recognition systems and surveillance sensors are integrated into the humanoid robots, which may also be tasked with identifying traffic violations or supporting riot response.
Polri officials emphasized seven primary operational functions for the robotic force: hazardous zone monitoring, explosives detection, narcotics identification, traffic enforcement, smart facial recognition patrols, search-and-rescue missions, and support during public disturbances.
The robotic dogs replicate many of the capabilities of traditional police canines. Designed for mobility and rugged terrain, these units are expected to contribute to hazardous material detection and narcotics investigations.
This initiative is part of a broader modernization strategy by Indonesian authorities to digitize public security infrastructure and reduce human risk in dangerous field operations.
Globally, robotic systems are increasingly integrated into policing and public safety frameworks. In the U.S., robots are widely used for bomb disposal, SWAT support, and surveillance in urban areas. Similar programs exist in China, where AI-driven systems monitor transportation hubs and public squares, and in the UAE, where Dubai aims to have robots account for 25% of its police force by 2030.
As the use of robotics expands across security sectors, so do discussions about ethics, data privacy, and the long-term implications of automated law enforcement. For now, Indonesia joins a growing list of nations leveraging robotics to transform traditional policing models and enhance national readiness.
