Guess What? Dibyo Widodo

A policeman's job has much to do with criminal cases, but that night National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Dibyo Widodo tried hard to steer clear of them.

"You can ask me about anything except ongoing cases," he told reporters at the fast-breaking dinner hosted by the police force Thursday.

Not to be outdone, a journalist asked questions on the riot that had rocked the town of Rengasdengklok in West Java a few hours earlier.

In response Dibyo just smiled, leaving the reporter frustrated and worried about being reprimanded for returning without a statement on the incident.

For a few minutes, the hall was quiet and tense. Dibyo tried to calm the journalists, saying: "I haven't yet received a complete report from the West Java Police Chief."

A journalist replied quickly: "Then give us the incomplete report."

All the audience, including Dibyo's senior aides, burst into laughter. But the general would not change his mind.

Another reporter then raised his hand: "So general, will we go back to our offices empty handed?"

"No, you won't. There is an Idul Fitri gift for you," said Dibyo, this time laughing.

He kept his promise and every reporter went back to the office with a box containing a new sarong. (bsr)