Mega tells police to act firmly, lawfully
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
President Megawati Soekarnoputri ordered the National Police on Friday to be firm in carrying out their duties in maintaining law and order in the country.
"Be firm, do your duty without hesitation .... Even when you have to use equipment in dealing with any violent actions, just do it ... but please abide by the law, regulations and procedure," Megawati said in a meeting with high-ranking police officers at the State Palace.
"I understand human rights issues always shadow all of you in carrying out your security duties. But you are still police officers, even in the current transitional period of our country, which somehow seems to be without clear boundaries," the President said.
Megawati's remarks came amid lingering doubts over police determination to handle violent action from protesters, as happened over the last few months.
The threats by radical groups to launch "sweeps" against foreigners, along with the burning of other countries' flags, have yet to be dealt with sternly by the police, even though the central government has vowed to punish the perpetrators of such acts.
The latest incident, when the police dispersed violent protesters of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), created even further furor, in which the police were accused of acting disproportionately.
The President further reminded them that as law enforcers, the police had special equipment, which, according to the law, ought to be used consistently.
She also reminded the police that they would have to deal with various security issues ahead of the upcoming major holidays -- Idul Fitri, Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year.
"People will be very busy during those days and it is the job of the police to make sure that everything goes smoothly and in accordance with the regulations," she remarked.
National Police chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro said in his speech that the police were ready to take on the responsibility as national security officers and fully understood that one of the government's priorities was to ensure law enforcement.
"We have planned several police operations to maintain security for both the upcoming major events, including the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly and the national holidays, and the safety of foreigners and their property in the country," Bimantoro said.
At least 41 National Police officials and police chiefs from all provinces met her on Friday to report on the results of their working meeting last week.
Since the separation of the National Police from the Indonesian Military, doubts linger over the police's ability to handle security issues of major concern, which used to be the responsibility of the military in the previous three decades.
"There is a hard task ahead of you. We are very concerned that at a time when the reputation of the police is being questioned, you are almost torn apart by the unfavorable political situation," Megawati said.