Brimob expanded in coming weeks

JAKARTA (JP): National Police chief Gen. Roesmanhadi said on Monday that the elite Mobile Brigade would soon expand from three regiments to seven regiments.

He said the expansion was vital for the coming years as the police would need more troops to effectively anticipate possible unrest across the nation.

"With a few provinces demanding independence, we can't predict what the nation's security situation will be like in the coming years," Roesmanhadi said on the sidelines of the brigade's 54th anniversary ceremony at its headquarters in Kelapa Dua subdistrict, South Jakarta.

"As a result, I have decided to expand the force from its existing three regiments to seven regiments. Where and when the expansion will be done, you will see in the coming weeks. That's all."

The newly appointed chief of the Mobile Brigade Police, Brig. Gen. Firman Gani, welcomed the expansion of the current 3,500 personnel while observing that the move would not stop at "increasing personnel, but will also strengthen the force with the latest equipment".

"The people's security is of utmost importance to us. The strengthening of our forces, with increased personnel and equipment, will prove beneficial for the people in the long run," Firman told The Jakarta Post. (ylt)