Kombes Pol Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak Appointed as Medan Police Chief

 

A New Hope in Tackling Drugs and Crime in North Sumatra’s Metropolitan City

CNEWS, MEDAN, September 26, 2025  – Medan, the largest metropolitan city outside Java, is once again under the spotlight after National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo appointed Police Commissioner (Kombes Pol) Dr. Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak as the new Chief of Medan Police (Kapolrestabes Medan).

The appointment was stipulated in the National Police Chief’s Telegram Letter No. ST/2134/IX/KEP.2025, dated September 19, 2025, marking a significant reshuffle in the Indonesian National Police.

Previously serving as Director of Narcotics Investigation (Dirresnarkoba) of North Sumatra Police, Calvijn’s position has now been replaced by Kombes Andy Arisandi, a senior advisor at the National Police Headquarters. The transfer was confirmed by North Sumatra Police Spokesperson Kombes Ferry Walintukan, who said briefly: “Yes, the head of Narcotics (North Sumatra Police) is now the Chief of Medan Police.”

Public Praise and High Hopes

The appointment was welcomed by local figures, including community leader Solon Sihombing, who expressed strong support:

“I would like to extend my highest appreciation to Kalvin. He is a young figure with a bright future, humble, and possesses the capacity, competence, and integrity to make Medan a safer, more orderly, and more progressive city.”

Solon further wished that Calvijn would continue the legacy of leadership shown by his late father, General Tamrin Simanjuntak, as well as follow the example set by Polda Metro Jaya:

“Congratulations to my younger brother Kalvin. May you achieve the highest level of success, at least as great as what your late father accomplished, and become a role model as Boda Metrojaya has been.”

Long Track Record and Proven Achievements

An Indonesian National Police Academy (Akpol) 1999 graduate, Kombes Calvijn has built an extensive career across Indonesia:

• North Sumatra: Chief of Medan Baru Police, Head of Criminal Investigation at Medan Police, Deputy Chief of Simalungun Police.
• East Java: Chief of Trenggalek Police.
• Jakarta: Deputy Director of Criminal Investigation at Jakarta Police, Head of Sub-Directorate I at Narcotics Directorate, Jakarta Police.
• National Headquarters: Head of Sub-Directorate I at the National Narcotics Directorate, Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim).
• Papua Barat: Head of Sub-Directorate III, Criminal Investigation, Papua Barat Police.
• Most recently: Director of Narcotics, North Sumatra Police (2025).

During his tenure as North Sumatra Narcotics Director, Calvijn gained national recognition after dismantling several high-profile drug syndicates, including:

• A drug vape liquid laboratory hidden inside a luxury Podomoro apartment.
• An ecstasy factory operating inside an organizational headquarters.
• Major raids on nightclubs across Medan linked to narcotics distribution networks.

These achievements cemented his reputation as a relentless drug-buster, making him the ideal figure to lead Medan Police—especially since the city has one of the highest narcotics crime rates in Indonesia.

Personal Background

Although of Batak heritage, Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak was born in Tangerang 42 years ago. He completed his secondary education there before passing the National Police Academy entrance exams in 1996.

• 1999: Graduated and assigned to Riau Police as junior officer.
• 2000–2003: Served as Intelligence Unit Chief at Lubuk Baja Police and Criminal Unit Chief at Batu Ampar Police, Riau Islands.
• 2003–2008: Investigator at Jakarta Police’s Criminal Directorate.
• 2008: Head of Criminal Investigation, Limboto Police, Gorontalo.
• 2013: Head of Criminal Investigation, Medan Police.
• 2015: Completed the Police Staff and Command School (Sespimmen) with outstanding results.
• 2017: Assigned to Papua Barat and later Jakarta as Sub-Directorate Chief in narcotics and criminal investigation divisions.

He is married to Nelly Anariani Hutajulu and blessed with three sons. Beyond his professional career, Calvijn is known as a religious, disciplined, and community-oriented leader.

Challenges in Medan

Medan is one of the toughest posts for any police officer. The city is plagued with deep-rooted challenges, including:

1. High crime rates – ranging from violent robberies, gang activity, to homicides.
2. Drug trafficking hub – Medan has long been identified as a major gateway for international drug cartels from Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
3. Public distrust in police – following repeated allegations of misconduct, corruption, and abuse of power among law enforcement in North Sumatra.

Security analysts see Calvijn’s appointment as a strategic gamble for the National Police. Success in Medan could make the city a model for law enforcement reform outside Java. Failure, however, would further erode public trust in the institution.

Symbol of Hope

Calvijn’s arrival as Medan Police Chief represents more than just a routine rotation. He embodies a symbol of hope—to reduce crime, dismantle drug networks, and restore public faith in the police.

In the eyes of many, Medan’s future security and stability will be a direct reflection of Calvijn’s leadership. For the National Police, this appointment is both a test of credibility and a promise of reform. ( Red. CN)