Bogor Police chief faces investigation

Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Bogor Police chief Sr. Comr. Tjiptono was questioned by the East Java Police's internal affairs division on Wednesday for the alleged sexual harassment of his female subordinates.

National Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Bambang Kuncoko said on Wednesday that the internal affairs investigators were also planning to question Tjiptono's two secretaries, who were the alleged victims of the harassment.

"Those who are connected with this case will soon be questioned by the East Java Police," Bambang said.

The case surfaced after a text message saying Tjiptono harassed his secretaries sexually was circulated among several people in Bogor, including journalists and some police officers.

However, none of the secretaries could be reached for comment, while Tjiptono insisted the SMS was just a rumor sent by an irresponsible person.

Separately, West Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Edi Darnadi said he would not suspend Tjiptono as he had not been found guilty of harassment.

"We have to seek the truth first before we can decide on any action against him," he was quoted as saying by Detik.com.

He said a joint team from the West Java Police and National Police Headquarters was investigating the case, the results of which would be made public in the next few days.