Scout Garuda Certificate Not a Direct Pass to Police Recruitment, Indonesian Police Clarify

The Indonesian National Police have refuted reports suggesting that holding the highest Scout Garuda (Pramuka Garuda) certificate allows for direct recruitment as a police officer without undergoing selection tests. Inspector General Pol. Ir. Gede Sumardana, Head of Public Relations for the National Police, emphasized that while the certificate can be a contributing factor in the evaluation process, it does not guarantee automatic selection. The reports appear to have originated from statements attributed to the Head of the National Narcotics Agency (Budi Waseso). However, the National Police reiterated that becoming a police officer requires all candidates to pass a rigorous selection process, including age, educational, health, psychological, physical fitness, and written examinations. The Scout Garuda certificate is the highest rank in Indonesia's youth development program, Pramuka, signifying leadership, discipline, and a spirit of service. While experience and qualifications from Pramuka activities have historically been considered as part of character evaluation for public service recruitment, including the police, they have never served as a substitute for the formal selection tests. The National Police are committed to maintaining a transparent and fair recruitment process, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates. Therefore, holders of the Scout Garuda certificate, like all other applicants, must meet the established selection criteria. Information Source: Sindonews