Jakarta Police urged to continue improving

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has called on the Jakarta Police to keep improving performance and professionalism despite its lack of personnel, funds and facilities.

The city police "must also be aware of the increasing demands and problems which could hinder its future," Soeharto said in his speech read by National Police Chief Gen. Dibyo Widodo at the Jakarta Police's 48th Anniversary at the Senayan sports ground Saturday.

The President also said the effects of massive development and the rapid influence from abroad through the globalization of information could result in increased crime in society.

In his written speech, Soeharto praised the Jakarta Police for their devotion and loyalty to the country and nation during the past 48 years.

"The Jakarta Police play a very important role as the law enforcers and guards of the people. They have maintained security and order in the city," Soeharto said.

The Jakarta Police celebrated its anniversary for the first time Saturday under the initiative of its chief, Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata, a former adjutant to the President.

Speaking with reporters, Dibyo admitted that one of the problems which has obstructed the Jakarta Police from doing its best to serve the people was the lack of personnel.

He said the ratio of police officers to people in Greater Jakarta -- with an estimated population of about 13 million -- was still unsatisfactory.

"The United Nations sets a ratio of one police officer to 350 people. We here in the capital have a ratio of one to 1,010."

He said it was not easy to increase the number of personnel for various reasons, including funds and facilities.

The police plan to increase the number of personnel nationwide to 195,000 by 1999. Currently, the number of personnel is 185,000.

Jakarta Police are expected to move into a new building on the same site by 1999 but the two-year construction project should have started several months ago.

Dibyo declined to comment on the development plan. "Sure, we'll get a new building," he said.

Saturday's anniversary included parades of the Jakarta Police's personnel from all units, including the detectives and bomb squads, and an exhibition of parachuting and paragliding. (cst)