Military police involvement in robbery denied
JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Police Commander Col. Hendardji has denied his personnel played any role in a robbery at an amusement center in Pluit, North Jakarta, late on Saturday.
However, he has instructed his men to cooperate with the Jakarta Police in the hunt for the robbers, some of whom wore the command's uniform during the burglary.
"We (the military police and the police) have been trying to trace license plate numbers on the robbers cars. We have no positive identification thus far," Hendardji told the media on Monday after meeting with Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajusman.
The robbery at the Mickey Mouse amusement center was allegedly committed by a group of at least 10 men, some of whom were also dressed in the uniform of combat troops.
Sources said the crooks arrived in a red Kijang van with the license plate number B 2294 CN and a dark blue Izusu Panther, registration number B 1784 G.
Rudy, the owner of the center, said on Monday that the robbers escaped with Rp 57 million in cash after damaging six pin ball machines with wooden poles.
Rudy was quoted by his secretary, Lolita, as saying that the total estimated loss could reach Rp 100 million.
Earlier on Sunday, Yono, a manager at the center, said the robbers took only Rp 6 million from the cashier and that no damage was incurred, except to the glass front doors.
According to Hendardji, his command has no incentive to protect undisciplined soldiers from the reach of the law.
He therefore called on the public not to rush to accuse his men just because the robbers were dressed in their uniforms.
"We won't cover up any mistakes made by our servicemen, but if there is an indication that civilians misused our attire we'll surely take stiff measures according to the existing law," he said.
Military attire can be easily purchased by the public here. No restrictions are placed on the sale.
"I know some counters at the Senen market (in Central Jakarta) and some other places in East Jakarta that sell military uniforms to the public.
"It could have been civilians dressed as soldiers, so please don't dismiss the possibility," Hendardji said.
The counters selling military attire are not authorized by the military, he added.
"All we can do is hold routine operations to round up members of the public wearing military dress.
"They must show their military identification and if they fail to they will be sanctioned," he said.
Hendardji said he and Noegroho, during their meeting on Monday, agreed to cooperate in an attempt to fight against the misuse of police and military uniforms in the capital. (emf)