More protests expected before pools

More protests expected before pools

SEMARANG (JP): National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman
Astrosemitro has warned his 180,000-strong force to prepare
themselves for more demonstrations over the next two years as the
nation gears up for the 1997 general elections.

In a speech addressing new graduates and recruits at the
Police Academy on Thursday, Banurusman warned of the rising rate
of crimes "with political nuances" and the need to strengthen
professionalism to meet these problems.

"Every officer must watch the trends. Give this issue your
utmost attention" he said, stressing that there have been plenty
of examples of this type of crime in the past year.

He cited the murder case of labor activist Marsinah; the
various cases of slander against the head of state; the blasphemy
case of soothsayer Permadi Satrio Wiwoho; and the investigation
of politician Sri Bintang Pamungkas and scholar George Aditjondro
for allegedly insulting President Soeharto.

"These cases indicate how important it is for the police force
to step up their professionalism," he said.

The general said it is normal to see political activities
intensifying in the run up to the general elections. The police
task, he added, is to fight off crimes related to these
activities.

Politically-motivated crimes still account for a small portion
of all crimes committed in Indonesia, but they are slowly rising
in number, Banurusman said. Eighty percent of all crimes are
economically motivated, he added.

"The police must master all the problems related to gathering
permits," he added. "If it is possible, every officer must be
equipped with a handycam (mini-video camera) to record every
detail of every demonstration and public gathering." (har)