Military, police launch joint anti-crime campiagn
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)