'MP investigators receive bribes'

Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

This year, a total of 45 delinquent city police officers have been sent to the military police on various charges, ranging from desertion to robbery.

Eleven of them have been returned to the force, while the rest are still being detained by the Military Police.

Of the 11 officers returned to the police, three, who were involved in an armed robbery, were discharged last week upon the recommendation of military investigators.

The investigators will decide soon on the fate of the remaining 34 officers -- whether or not they will face a court- martial.

An investigating officer revealed on Thursday that bribery could affect the fate of the delinquent officers.

Eki, not his real name, admitted that bribery among military police investigators was quite common. This resulted in the low number of police officers penalized for crimes or violations of the disciplinary code.

"During the first stage of investigation, they often give us what they call 'peace money'. At this stage, they attempt to persuade investigators to submit a lenient report on their case, before it is forwarded to the head of the inspection division."

His admissions were confirmed by some of his colleagues.

Eki said the money collected from the bribery was spent on buying operational necessities such as computers and mobile phones, as the city police did not provide adequate equipment for the investigators.

"We have only been given an old typewriter to make our reports on. You can just imagine how miserable we are. If we had more money, we could buy an air conditioner for our offices," said Sarjo, Eki's subordinate.

Last year, there were 300 police personnel, including three mid ranking officers, who were sent to the military police on various charges.

Of this figure, 26 police officers were discharged and 16 others were brought before courts-martial.

The others remained on duty.

The three mid ranking officers were sent to the military police for, respectively, polygamy, abuse of power, and shooting an innocent person.

Among the cases brought before courts-marshal were ones involving desertion, polygamy, loss of firearms, extortion, opening fire without due care, and adultery.

According to Eki, most of the crimes committed by the police officers involved extortion.

Unfortunately, if a member of the military police commits a crime, there is no other institution than the military police itself that can take action against him.