Forging an Elite Force: Capacity Building in the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) of the South Sulawesi Regional Police

Abstract

This study analyses capacity building in the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) of the South Sulawesi Regional Police using Grindle and Serrill's (1997) framework, which conceptualises capacity development across three dimensions: human resource development, organisational strengthening, and institutional reform. As an elite, semi-military police unit charged with high-intensity tasks ranging from social-conflict management and counter-terrorism to disaster response, Brimob requires robust and sustainable organisational capacity. A qualitative case-study design was employed, with purposively selected informants comprising unit commanders, operational and high-achieving members, human resource and finance officials, the regional police human resource bureau, and an external organisational partner. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and document study, and were analysed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman. The findings show that human resource development is comparatively strong, supported by a structured architecture of operational and specialist training and expanding educational pathways, though hampered by under-strength personnel and scarce scientific specialists. Organisational strengthening exhibits clear command structures, timely budgeting, and layered supervision, yet is constrained by inadequate housing and infrastructure that impede rapid mobilisation. Institutional reform reveals a measure of regulatory autonomy—including locally grounded internal rules—and progressively favourable central policies, while a dedicated career and welfare regime commensurate with operational risk remains absent. The study concludes that the three dimensions are interdependent and that the binding constraints lie in personnel strength, infrastructure, and a risk-adjusted institutional framework. Recommendations include closing the personnel gap, investing in housing and mobilisation infrastructure, and establishing a specialised recruitment and career architecture for the corps.