13 policemen fired in Central Java

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Central Java Police chief Erwin Mapasaeng announced on Monday that he had fired 13 police officers for violations of the law, misconduct and desertion.

Erwin said the Central Java Police had undergone a total reform in all sectors, including taking strict measures against members who violated the law.

"We officially fired those 13 officers yesterday. Some of them had been involved in crime, desertion and misconduct," said Erwin, adding that the move was taken to revive public confidence in the police force.

Erwin said police officers were no different than civilians and if they commit crimes, they would be punished according to the articles in the Criminal Code.

"Those who commit a crime will undergo a thorough investigation and we will follow legal procedures right up to the state court level. But for those who break conduct codes, the military police will handle them," he said.

Erwin emphasized that every person who was found guilty would be prosecuted. --JP