Feisal demands more from police force<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The National Police force marked its 49th
\nanniversary with an impressive show of force yesterday, but Armed
\nForces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung demanded more from them in terms
\nof professionalism and in providing public services.<\/p>\n
\"We have to honestly admit that there are still a bunch of
\nweaknesses and shortcomings in both development and operational
\nmatters (of the police),\" Feisal said in a written speech read at
\nthe anniversary ceremony.<\/p>\n
The force has not been optimal in public services, according
\nto the speech read by National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman
\nAstrosemitro.<\/p>\n
He cited urban traffic problems, riots, and resolving criminal
\ncases among the areas where police work could still be improved.<\/p>\n
\"Police work could be said to be successful if the people
\nenjoy peace and tranquility, if they are free of fear and
\napprehension about threats to their activities and their lives in
\nan environment of law and order,\" Feisal said.<\/p>\n
The anniversary ceremony at the football field in front of the
\nNational Police Headquarters was attended by dozens of active and
\nretired police generals and officers.<\/p>\n
Viewed by hundreds of spectators, the ceremony presented a
\nparade of the various police force's branches, its equipment and
\nweaponry.<\/p>\n
Criticism against the National Police force always comes each
\nyear when it marks its anniversary.<\/p>\n
The National Police, one of the four services in the
\nIndonesian Armed Forces (ABRI), is regarded as the spearhead of
\nthe nation's security and order because its 180,000 members are
\nstationed among the community.<\/p>\n
Police chiefs and critics acknowledged that the size of the
\nforce is barely adequate for policing a nation of more than 190
\nmillion people.<\/p>\n
Gen. Banurusman accepted the criticism from ABRI chief
\nyesterday gallantly, telling reporters after the ceremony that,
\n\"We feel our shortcomings, especially if we have to compare the
\nlofty public demand with the existing services we provide.\"<\/p>\n
He pledged that, even with the limited size and equipment, his
\nforce would continue to strive to attain greater professionalism
\nand give better services to the public.<\/p>\n
Feisal in his speech warned that the police's tasks would get
\ntougher and more complicated in the future for several reasons,
\nincluding the globalization process and the increasing public
\ndemand for better security and services.<\/p>\n
Rapid development in science and technology would also lead to
\nnew and often more sophisticated types of crimes, he said.<\/p>\n
He also urged the force to watch out for crimes against the
\nstate.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Satjipto Rahardjo, a law expert and a member of the
\nNational Commission on Human Rights, yesterday said that
\nIndonesia should begin rethinking the concept of overall police
\nwork.<\/p>\n
Satjipto told reporters after attending a similar anniversary
\nceremony in Semarang, Central Java, that the old principle that
\npolicing is the monopoly of the state could no longer be
\nsustained.<\/p>\n
Times are changing, and unless their jobs were redefined, the
\nNational Police force could find itself overcome with new tasks,
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
He noted that at international seminars he had attended, the
\nidea of redefining police work is gaining more and more support
\nworldwide.<\/p>\n
\"Essentially, the idea calls for more 'protagonistic' policing
\nrather than 'antagonistic' policing,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The idea has already been developed in some countries through
\nsuch concepts as community police, police accountability and
\npolice friends of youths, he added.<\/p>\n
The idea would call for a major departure from the traditional
\n\"authoritarian\" policing to one that truly serves the public, he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
He noted that the ideal is already embodied in the National
\nPolice symbol Tri Brata. \"Now it's just a question of
\nimplementing this ideal in accordance with the spirit of the
\ntimes.\" (har\/bsr)<\/p>",
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