Law enforcement is the key to security in Jakarta

After serving as East Java Police chief since 2003, Insp. Gen. Firman Gani has now replaced Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara as Jakarta Police chief. Soon after his inauguration on July 20, The Jakarta Post's Surabaya-based correspondent, Indra Harsaputra, interviewed the former chief of the National Police Mobile Brigade during his recent visit to Surabaya. Below is an excerpt of the interview.

Question: Congratulations! What do you think about your new job?

Answer: I perceive the new task as more onerous than my previous position. Jakarta is much more cosmopolitan than East Java. That means Jakarta has more complex problems, too, which is OK for me.

Approaches to religious figures, political figures and local public figures did work in resolving problems in East Java.

We cannot do the same thing in Jakarta without readiness by the police to deal with security. Law enforcement is the key to maintaining the capital's security in general -- meaning that law enforcement must be the top priority.

I have anticipated the escalation of the crime rate through several special operations. I also have instructed my subordinates to be more alert to particular groups that might try to create chaos during the second round of the presidential election in September.

The explosion at the office of the General Elections Commission (KPU) was a serious warning, urging us to beef up security on election day. We have deployed officers to vital spots, including the main support centers of the two presidential candidates and the KPU office. We've also taken into account when business centers and public places are at their busiest.

Have you done anything else of significance?

Yes, I have to make an extra effort to improve security and order in Jakarta. The change of name of the city police from Polda Metro Jaya to Polda Metropolitan Jakarta Jaya is one of our moves. This change is supposed to evoke a deeper awareness among my subordinates that safeguarding the metropolis is no easy task; therefore, to be professional is the main objective.

Hopefully, within the next three to four months, every police officer will gain a proper understanding of the real meaning of the new name. An increase in their professionalism will be manifest in their prompt and meaningful action against crime.

The management, especially of human resources, also needs to change. More and better training, more interactive discussions between police elements and a monthly evaluation of what we achieve will be part of the human resources development program.

We also need more equipment. Within three months, the Jakarta Police will acquire another 300 operational motorcycles and 100 new cars.

Do you have any comment on police neutrality in relation to the notorious Banyumas VCD scandal?

The National Police Headquarters is dealing with it. Doesn't that indicate determination by the police to maintain neutrality? The National Police have always shown professionalism in acting against officers who are found to have violated the law.

I cannot promise anything more (in addition to my action against unscrupulous subordinates). The most important thing for me is the results of my efforts to maintain my subordinates' professionalism in providing security for the capital.