Autonomous police force 'unlikely soon'

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto said yesterday the National Police would not likely be separated from ABRI any time soon because the move needed thorough preparation.

While not completely ruling out the possibility, Wiranto said the capability of the National Police in handling disturbances should be strengthened first.

"Could they handle disturbances without the support of the other military branches? Could they move quickly without the back-up of the other services?" he asked, underlining the public's increasing need for greater security and order.

Wiranto made the remarks to reporters after attending the transfer ceremony for the National Police chief from Gen. Dibyo Widodo to Lt. Gen. Roesmanhadi at the Mobile Brigade Headquarters at Kelapa Dua district in nearby Depok.

The National Police is one of four services in ABRI, along with the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. The police are often assisted by the Army in maintaining public security and order, especially when handling demonstrations and riots.

The wind of reform, however, has prompted calls for the separation of the National Police from ABRI, even from senior police officers themselves.

They argue that the police's doctrine, which is to protect and serve the public, is not the same as that of the military, which is essentially to kill the nation's enemies.

"We understand and will try to accommodate the people's aspirations," Wiranto said without making any further commitments.

He said the separation issue had long been discussed within the Armed Forces.

He admitted that the police had a tough job to do. "They must upgrade their skills and become more professional."

Lt. Gen. Roesmanhadi told reporters separately that the separation of the police from ABRI was still a possibility.

"I want what's best for the National Police. I believe ABRI leaders do too," he said with a smile to the media.

Gen. Dibyo, apparently no longer bound by the protocols of his old office, spoke more openly about the subject yesterday.

"I'll tell you this. I think we need to give more autonomy to the police before the force can be separated from ABRI," he said.

He added that he had given all files and papers on the issue to Roesmanhadi. (edt)