An independent police force

An independent police force

With the dawning of a new era for our police force as an institution separate from the Armed Forces, we hope the police will be able to perform its duties in a more independent and autonomous way. The ultimate purpose (of the split) is, of course, to enhance the police's professionalism and to make sure that public order can be better maintained.

Henceforth, the police need no longer feel nervous when facing situations that involve members of the military ... because the police no longer stands in the military line of command. Remarks that the police always appears to be hesitant in resolving situations that involve the military should, therefore, belong to the past.

Whichever incident the police has to resolve must be done under the principle that all people are equal before the law. The police has the authority and the obligation to investigate all criminal incidents -- irrespective of whether they involve civilians or members of the military -- without being hampered by the military command hierarchy.

The relevant question now for the police to answer is: Is it ready to do its duty without the direct support and backup of the military?

-- Jawa Pos, Surabaya