Autonomous police force 'unlikely soon'

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)