'No more raids' on entertainment spots

JAKARTA (JP): City Police chief Insp. Gen. Mulyono Sulaiman guaranteed on Friday that there would be no more armed protesters on the streets or violent groups raiding entertainment spots in the capital.

According to Mulyono, he gave his guarantee after personally meeting with leaders of the groups and discussing their illegal actions, which are very disturbing to other people.

"If God's willing, from this Thursday, Friday, Sunday and so on... there will be no more such violent actions because I have talked with these people," Mulyono told journalists.

"I believe they understood my remarks," the newly-appointed Jakarta Police chief said.

In the meeting, Mulyono said that he had asked the executives of the groups to follow the existing rules, to stop carrying dangerous weapons and stop taking the law into their own hands.

The two-star general made the remarks after being questioned by journalists about repeated radical actions by gangs, usually attired in uniforms belonging to FPI (Islamic Defender Front).

These gangs have raided a number of entertainment spots in the capital, claiming the places had been used for camouflaged prostitution. In some cases, they shattered windows and broke chairs, leaving the guests reeling in panic.

Last week, the group pelted the City Hall compound with stones and pulled down the gate without any clear reasons, leaving at least one guard injured.

Officer Mulyono promised that he and his officers would try to maintain law and order and would take stiff measures against any violators.

"I got a report last night that the police had begun questioning several people in connection with the attack at City Hall.

I have also ordered the Central Jakarta subprecinct to seriously look into the case," he added.

It remains unclear whether the police arrested anyone in connection with the attack.

In a bid to further improve security in the capital, Jakarta police also assigned some 300 personnel to conduct routine night patrols across the city in 80 vehicles.

"Some of the officers are mobile and some are stationed. We hope we can raise the number soon.

We will also coordinate with city administration public order officers who have been assigned to carry out a round-the-clock watch in the city," Mulyono added.

The 300 personnel began operations several days ago and will continue for an indefinite period.

"The coordination between the police and city administration over this security matter will focus mostly at intersections, crowded public areas and other locations prone to crime that have caused people to worry," he said.

"Governor Sutiyoso and I, after our long discussion today, consider that we will start to take action to create a safer Jakarta.

If the law says the police can shoot, then we will shoot," Mulyono said further. (dja)