Alternative thinking about police reporting
JAKARTA (JP): A criminologist, a legislator and an observer were of different opinions on Thursday about the most suitable chain of command for the National Police even though the People's Consultative Assembly has stated in a decree that the force is responsible to the President.
Contacted separately on the sidelines of a seminar on police leadership, the sources recommended institutions such as the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Supreme Court to supervise the force.
In order for the police to fulfill its responsibilities free of any political influences, they should be under the coordination of the Ministry of Home Affairs, said M.T. Arifin, an observer of police and military issues.
"Based on the new ruling (Decree No. VII/2000), the police force is prone to be exploited as a tool of the president or be influenced by political parties since the appointment of the National Police chief should be made by the president with the approval of the House of Representatives (whose members are elected from political parties)," Arifin said.
According to him, chiefs of provincial police units should be appointed by heads of the respective administrative provinces and, therefore, under the supervision of the provincial administration offices.
Criminologist Erlangga Masdiana from the University of Indonesia opposed Arifin's idea saying that the Assembly's decree is sufficient.
"Politicking can happen anywhere, that is why the appointment of the National Police chief by the President should have approval from the legislature," Erlangga said.
He did agree with Arifin that local police chiefs should be under local authorities for better coordination as repeatedly proposed by many governors.
"But in the future, we should consider placing the police under the Supreme Court because the police function is part of the law enforcement," Erlangga said.
Legislator Ferry Mursydan Baldan from Golkar Party said he was against the idea to place the local police force under the supervision of the provincial governors.
"It would be prone to misuse by the executives," said the deputy chairman of Commission II on law and home affairs.
The police force, on the other hand, seems to be satisfied with its current position as stipulated in the Assembly's Decree as it puts the force in a position similar to the Cabinet ministers which means that police have more authority and freedom with its operations.
"The best position for the police is at a similar level with ministers (in the Cabinet) and responsible directly to the President," National Police Spokesman Brig. Gen. Saleh Saaf said on Thursday.
"Under the current command structure, we have ample freedom to enhance our professionalism and pursue our programs," he added.
Although it did not mean that the President could control or use the police as a means of power, because the police will only obey the law, not an individual.
"In our investigation process, nobody has the right to interfere as we are independent in organization, administration and operation," said Saleh, who has received his first general's star. (dja)