Alternative thinking about police reporting

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)