Disciplinary body finds 16 police officers guilty

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.