Autonomous police force 'unlikely soon'<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security\/Armed Forces
\n(ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto said yesterday the National Police
\nwould not likely be separated from ABRI any time soon because the
\nmove needed thorough preparation.<\/p>\n
While not completely ruling out the possibility, Wiranto said
\nthe capability of the National Police in handling disturbances
\nshould be strengthened first.<\/p>\n
\"Could they handle disturbances without the support of the
\nother military branches? Could they move quickly without the
\nback-up of the other services?\" he asked, underlining the
\npublic's increasing need for greater security and order.<\/p>\n
Wiranto made the remarks to reporters after attending the
\ntransfer ceremony for the National Police chief from Gen. Dibyo
\nWidodo to Lt. Gen. Roesmanhadi at the Mobile Brigade Headquarters
\nat Kelapa Dua district in nearby Depok.<\/p>\n
The National Police is one of four services in ABRI, along
\nwith the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. The police are often
\nassisted by the Army in maintaining public security and order,
\nespecially when handling demonstrations and riots.<\/p>\n
The wind of reform, however, has prompted calls for the
\nseparation of the National Police from ABRI, even from senior
\npolice officers themselves.<\/p>\n
They argue that the police's doctrine, which is to protect and
\nserve the public, is not the same as that of the military, which
\nis essentially to kill the nation's enemies.<\/p>\n
\"We understand and will try to accommodate the people's
\naspirations,\" Wiranto said without making any further
\ncommitments.<\/p>\n
He said the separation issue had long been discussed within
\nthe Armed Forces.<\/p>\n
He admitted that the police had a tough job to do. \"They must
\nupgrade their skills and become more professional.\"<\/p>\n
Lt. Gen. Roesmanhadi told reporters separately that the
\nseparation of the police from ABRI was still a possibility.<\/p>\n
\"I want what's best for the National Police. I believe ABRI
\nleaders do too,\" he said with a smile to the media.<\/p>\n
Gen. Dibyo, apparently no longer bound by the protocols of his
\nold office, spoke more openly about the subject yesterday.<\/p>\n
\"I'll tell you this. I think we need to give more autonomy to
\nthe police before the force can be separated from ABRI,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He added that he had given all files and papers on the issue
\nto Roesmanhadi. (edt)<\/p>",
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