Disciplinary body finds 16 police officers guilty

Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Fourteen police officers have been found guilty of using unnecessary disciplinary methods to restore order during the Nov. 22 protest at Bojong waste treatment facility in Bogor, while two others were declared guilty of violating the Criminal Code, for causing serious injuries to others.

"The police disciplinary committee hearing decided that six Bogor Police officers were guilty of disciplinary violations. Two of their colleagues had violated the Criminal Code on two counts -- causing serious injuries to others and unpleasant conduct," Bogor Police chief Sr. Comr. Bambang Wasgito said on Wednesday.

Eight members of the police's Mobile Brigade were also found guilty of using excessive methods to restore order.

During the meeting, Bambang defended himself against what he called, "unfair news coverage". He argued that police had been subjected to "psychological pressure" during the bloody clash and responded accordingly. "The officers saw their commanders being beaten up by protesters, some of their motorbikes were burned", he said.

The Nov. 22 protest marked the peak of locals' strong opposition to the presence of the waste treatment plant, for fear that it would damage their environment and endanger their health. The plant has the capacity to absorb 2,000 tons of Jakarta's 6,000 tons of daily waste and 400 tons of Bogor's daily waste.

Bambang claimed he had been questioned by the National Police's internal affairs division, but declined to give details.

Internal affairs chief Brig. Gen. Rajiman Tarigan said his department had questioned several low- and middle-ranking officers and issued some decisions.

"We questioned eight Bogor Police officers and eight Mobile Brigade officers," he said. "We will question high-ranking officers, including Bambang, later, particularly over his leadership."

Three middle-ranking Mobile Brigade officers were found guilty of abusing their power. Police issued warning letters to them. Five low-ranking officers were also found guilty of power abuse while on duty. "As a consequence, their planned promotions will be delayed," Tarigan said.

In a hearing with House of Representatives' Commission III for law and legislation, a group of 19 non-governmental organizations called on lawmakers to set up an independent team to investigate the Bojong conflict.

Slamet Daroyani of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi), urged the commission to demand that the Bogor Police release all residents in detention.

Eighteen residents have been named suspects in the case and their case files submitted to Cibinong Prosecutor's Office.