Military, police launch joint anti-crime campiagn

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Hendropriyono launched a massive anti-crime operation involving 16,700 police and military personnel on Monday.

"The security conditions in Jakarta and its surrounding areas have deteriorated lately as the incidence of crime and acts of violence have increased," Gen. Hendropriyono told reporters after a military ceremony at City Hall.

The ceremony was also attended by Jakarta Governor Surjadi Soedirdja, City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mochammad Hindarto and several high ranking officers.

Hendrorpiyono said that the public feels unsafe with the current security conditions. "That's why this operation is needed."

The joint operation, which will last indefinitely, will involve personnel from the City Police Force, the Army, the Marine Corps and the Air Force, as well as security and order officers from Jakarta, Tangerang and Bekasi, and other mass organizations, he said.

He added the personnel will conduct both open and covert operations involving intelligence officers.

According to Hendropriyono, the operation will not focus only on criminals but also on other types of troublemakers, such as students who are involved in violent acts or abusing alcohol and drugs.

"We will be surveilling entertainment centers, bus terminals, railway stations and other public places," he said. He added that the officers will be checking people frequenting those places to see whether they are carrying any kind of weapons.

He said that personnel will also be assigned to areas with high levels of criminal activity and violence.

"We will dismiss any crowd of people suspected to have the potential to initiate violence," he said.

Concern

Hendropriyono expressed concern about the widespread availability and abuse of alcoholic drinks, which have become a major cause of public disturbances. He added that youths and the lower income groups of people had easy access to alcoholic beverages because they are so incredibly cheap.

"Even an unemployed person can afford to buy drinks, " he said.

Hendropriyono denied that the operation was motivated by the recent murder of Army Brig. Gen. T.M.F. Tampubolon by four thugs.

He said the operation will be carried out for an unlimited period. "We will evaluate it every month."

Yesterday, City Police Chief Hindarto rejected allegations that the capability of the police to cope with security problems in the capital has declined significantly.

He maintained that the police force can handle the situation, but complained that the total of 16,000 police officers limits the possibility of expanding security services for the public. "Moreover, only 3,000 out of the 16,000 officers can be sent directly into the field every day."

He also said that with the personnel constraints it is impossible to maintain a strong security cover for the entire Jakarta area. (05)