Police still lack professionalism: Chief<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman
\nAstrosemitro said yesterday that the police still need to improve
\ntheir professionalism before they can properly serve the public.<\/p>\n
Speaking at a press conference, the four-star general said
\nthat, in view of financial problems, he could not yet say when
\nthe nation would have an effective, efficient and professional
\npolice force.<\/p>\n
"But we'll continue our efforts to urge the government to
\nprovide us with more up-to-date technology."<\/p>\n
The news conference was held in relation to the commemoration
\nof Police Day on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Banurusman said that lack of money and facilities had hampered
\nthe police's work. "This is quite ironical because criminals are
\nbecoming more and more professional," he said.<\/p>\n
Indonesia's police number only 18,000, as against a population
\nof 193 million.<\/p>\n
During the 1994\/1995 fiscal year, for instance, the police
\nclaimed that their operations budget was only Rp 13.9 billion, or
\n1.8 percent of the overall police budget.<\/p>\n
Even with the extra income from the processing of vehicle
\ndocuments, the police could only carry out 35 percent of their
\nannual operational tasks, Banurusman said.<\/p>\n
Low<\/p>\n
He added that police wages remained very low and could not
\neasily be easily increased because they remain within the payment
\nscheme of the Armed Forces.<\/p>\n
Sources at police headquarters said the monthly take-home pay
\nfor the rank of corporal was about Rp 150,000 (US$67), sergeant
\nabout Rp 300,000, lieutenant up to captain Rp 500,000 at most,
\nmajor to colonel about Rp 800,000 and general more than Rp 1
\nmillion.<\/p>\n
"I receive a total of Rp 500,000 every month which is
\nabsolutely inadequate for a family of four," a senior captain,
\nwho requested anonymity, told The Jakarta Post yesterday.<\/p>\n
It is generally acknowledged that some police break rules in
\norder to make ends meet and some have been jailed or dismissed
\nfrom the service as a result.<\/p>\n
"This year at least four police officers have been fired,"
\nsaid Banurusman.<\/p>\n
He added that the government planned to increase the police
\nmeal allowance which, he said, was only three times the allowance
\nfor police dogs.<\/p>\n
Banurusman said the daily police meal allowance was Rp 1,500
\nper person, compared with Rp 500 spent on each police dog. (bsr)<\/p>",
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