KPK told to probe BNI-police case

JAKARTA: Indonesian Police Watch has called for the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to take over the investigation into former National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar and former detectives chief Comr. Gen. Erwin Mappaseng in connection with a bribery case linked to state bank BNI.

"The findings of two top police officers' involvement in a bribery case have tainted the (image of) the police force, therefore this must be addressed accordingly. The National Police has so far discriminated in favor of top officers in upholding the law; they tend to cover such cases up," Police Watch said in a statement.

An investigation by an outside party was needed to stop the police's top ranks from escaping justice, it said.

Snail-paced probes into suspicious bank accounts belonging to 15 officers were more proof officers were not answerable to the law.

"Judging from the police's culture, which prevents the force from addressing their own problems, intervention from outside institutions like KPK is a must." -- JP