Police Robot Priced at IDR 3 Billion Draws Public Attention, Netizens Find Actual Price Only a Quarter of It

 

The procurement of sophisticated police robots by the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) for the 79th Bhayangkara Anniversary has once again become a hot topic among the public. What was initially seen as a step toward modernizing the police force has now triggered controversy after netizens uncovered a significant price discrepancy between the official announcement and market prices.

"If the difference reaches 600%, maybe the robot can also make coffee and cook fried rice," remarked a netizen on Aplikasi X.

During the celebration held at Monas, Central Jakarta, POLRI showcased a fleet of robots consisting of two robot tanks, two ROPI robots, one agricultural drone robot, along with 10 robotic K9 dogs and 10 humanoid robots. The collaboration with PT Sari Teknologi and PT Ezra Robotics Teknologi was claimed to be a breakthrough in modern police technology, although several netizens sarcastically commented, "Such expensive robots, yet traffic tickets are still issued manually," said a TikTok user.

A statement from Dhanisakka Vardhana, the CEO of PT Ezra Robotics Teknologi, declaring that each robot unit costs IDR 3 billion sparked a wave of digital investigations by netizens.

"At that price, the robot should also be able to conduct traffic ticket hearings and sell snacks at the police post," commented another netizen on Aplikasi X.

Netizens’ searches across various international e-commerce platforms revealed a significant price gap. The Unitree humanoid robot, with similar specifications, was found to be priced at only US$ 16,000–28,000 (around IDR 259–453 million), while robotic dogs were listed for US$ 1,600–3,050 (approximately IDR 25.9–49.4 million).

"Perhaps the robot is coated with 24-carat gold, which explains the outrageous price," joked a TikTok user.

"At IDR 3 billion per unit, it might be cheaper to just use an online motorcycle taxi than to buy a police robot," added another comment on Aplikasi X.

This robot procurement controversy highlights the importance of public budget transparency in the digital era. While the modernization of the police institution is indeed necessary, accountability and budget efficiency must remain top priorities in every public policy decision.

As one netizen cynically stated on Aplikasi X, "If a robot worth IDR 3 billion breaks down, where do you get it fixed? A satellite repair shop?"

This case once again proves that in today’s digital era, nothing escapes public scrutiny — not even police robots. The extravagant price tags attached to these machines have led some to conclude, "Better to buy a Fortuner; it can be used for patrols and transporting criminals too," quipped a netizen on TikTok.