A Self-Determination Motivational Approach To The Capacity Development Of The Mobile Brigade (Brimob) Of The South Sulawesi Regional Police

Abstract

This study examines the capacity development of the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) of the South Sulawesi Regional Police through the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). As a semi-military organisation that demands strict discipline yet simultaneously requires personnel with strong intrinsic motivation, Brimob constitutes a paradoxical but instructive context for understanding human motivation. Drawing on Deci and Ryan's (2000) framework of three basic psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness—the research investigates how the fulfilment of these needs drives sustainable capacity development. A qualitative case-study design was employed, with purposively selected informants including unit commanders, operational and high-achieving members, human resource and finance officers, and an organisational partner. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews, observation, and document analysis, and were examined using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman. The findings indicate that autonomy is constrained by the command structure at the point of recruitment and assignment, yet expands meaningfully in professional judgement, budget planning, and the space granted for member innovation. Competence is supported through structured operational training and educational access, although advanced education remains limited and specialist expertise is scarce. Relatedness emerges as the strongest need, sustained by esprit de corps, family-oriented welfare schemes, and warm partner relationships. The study concludes that intrinsic motivation in Brimob is anchored primarily in relatedness and pride, while autonomy support and competence development require deliberate strengthening. Policy recommendations include autonomy-supportive supervision, expanded specialist and higher-education pathways, and the institutionalisation of cohesion-building programmes to optimise capacity development.