Jakarta security concerns to linger in 2003: Police

Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Jakartans should continue to be on alert in 2003 with security threats in the capital to remain high amid the protracted economic crisis and expected political rallies in the run-up to the 2004 elections, the city police chief said on Wednesday.

"The number of crimes will remain high this year owing to the lingering economic woes and the political situation in the country," said Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara in his year-end report at the city police headquarters.

Makbul said the protracted economic crisis would continue to lead some people into crime in order to survive.

Heightened tension between political parties ahead of the 2004 general election might also increase the crime rate, he said.

"Peaceful demonstrations can turn violent if opposing groups get caught up in a heated conflict," Makbul said.

The country's political arena is expected to become even more hectic with more parties expected to participate in the 2004 elections. In the 1998 elections, only 48 parties took part. Thus far, 225 political parties have registered with the General Elections Commission for a feasibility screening to determine whether they are eligible to contest the upcoming elections.

Makbul said the number of reported crimes in the city increased by 2.9 percent to 34,270 in 2002, compared to 33,284 the previous year.

Gambling, drug-related offenses and rape rose significantly last year from 2001.

The number of reported gambling crimes jumped 61.29 percent to 400 cases in 2002 from 248 cases in 2001. Drug-related crimes, including drug use and drug trafficking, surged to 2,642 cases last year, a 44.29 percent rise from 1,831 cases the previous year.

There were 107 reported rapes in 2002, a jump of 20 percent from the 89 cases in 2001. However, most observers believe there are a significant number of unreported rapes, as many victims prefer to remain silent rather than report the crime to police because of psychological trauma and the perception that perpetrators get off lightly.

Despite the rising crime statistics in Jakarta last year, Makbul said "the situation is relatively secure and under control".

He said, as an example, that the number of bombing cases last dropped to only eight from 14 in 2001.

"And the police managed to arrest most of the suspects allegedly involved in the string of bombings in the capital over the past three years," Makbul said.

He also said the police had succeeded in clearing 2.92 percent more of all crimes in 2002 compared to 2001.

With continued security worries in the capital in 2003, Makbul urged greater public participation in reporting crimes and suspicious activities to the police.

Makbul referred to the free 112 emergency call center, which is connected to radio station 91.1 FM Suara Metro Emergency Assistance, with the full backing of 400 of the police's 500 patrol units.

The chief also vowed that police officers would arrive at a crime scene within at least 15 minutes of receiving a report.

With promised improved police services, Makbul urged an end to vigilante justice. "Please, don't take the law into your own hands."