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