Crackdown on corrupt officers

INDRAMAYU, West Java: Seven police officers have been punished for extorting money from bus and truck drivers along the busy northern West Java highway.

Chief of the Indramayu police precinct Lt. Col. Istoto Sukismo said that "tough action" has been taken against the seven corrupt officers.

"The punishment meted out to the individuals shows that we are serious about maintaining the good image of the police force," Istoto was quoted as saying by Antara yesterday

The officers, he said, blackmailed drivers. They stopped trucks and buses and ticketed the drivers who refused to give them money, which usually ranged between Rp 500 and Rp 3,000.

Drivers who take the same route regularly know the officers' game. To avoid stopping they would throw a matchbox containing money to officers in their roadside shelters.

The corrupt practices have long caused resentment among road users in the area. (pan)