'No more raids' on entertainment spots
'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)