Noegroho replaces Hamami as head of city police

JAKARTA (JP): Central Java Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman will be installed as Jakarta's number one officer today, replacing Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata, National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said yesterday.

The installation of Noegroho, 51, who is also former deputy chief of West Java Police, will be led by National Police Chief Gen. Dibyo Widodo, Da'i said.

Hamami will be stationed at National Police Headquarters but his duties have not been announced.

"I haven't been told about Pak Hamami's new position. He will be stationed here temporarily," Da'i said, adding that replacement of a senior officer was common within the Armed Forces.

When asked whether Hamami resigned the top job of his own free will or was pressured to do so because of several incidents, including the mass riots and fatal shooting of four student at Trisakti University, Da'i refused to provide further details.

"The bottom line is that every officer will be replaced and installed based on the decisions of officials who hold the authority to do so," he said, adding that the names of other officials to be replaced would be disclosed soon.

A reliable source said National Police Detectives Corps Commander Maj. Gen. Nurfaizi would likely be assigned to replace Noegroho as the chief of Central Java Police.

Noegroho has held the position for about 14 months. He was appointed East Timor Police chief after completing his tour of duty as police chief in Central Jakarta and South Jakarta.

Noegroho's operational experience encompasses several military operations, such as the United Nation's Peace Keeping Operation in Namibia in 1988, West Germany in 1989 and East Timor's Operation Seroja in 1992.

The general is married to Tati Rachmiati and they have two daughters and a son.

Noegroho is a graduate of the Indonesian Armed Forces Academy, Police Academy and National Resilience Institute.

He arrived in the capital yesterday and a crowd of important figures and high-ranking officials were seen visiting his house in Depok.

But Noegroho refused to talk to journalists. "Please... not now. Tomorrow, after the ceremony," he said with a smile.

Farewell

Today's handover will be held in the Jakarta Police auditorium in the presence of a select audience.

"The ceremony will not be held in the police yard as is usual. That is why we want journalists and all invitees to come on time because space is limited," city police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said, adding that this was a request from the capital's police chief.

Yesterday Hamami gave his last morning briefing at Jakarta Police Headquarters, which turned into an unofficial farewell gathering.

In his address, Hamami said that as a police officer it was vital to continue serving society.

"Remember, no matter how hard our trials are, if we stick to our duty wholeheartedly, sincerely and honestly, God will protect us, always.

"I've done my best in carrying out my duty. All the laughter and sorrow... I've swallowed it and accepted it as God's will. I know, being a cop is never an easy thing. We're often put in a very difficult situation and many times we're being blamed for what happened.

"Therefore, be brave, be strong. And if I did something wrong during my time here, I apologize," Hamami said, holding back tears.

Many officers could not contain their emotions and shed tears as the general walked among them and said farewell.

Some police responded with an emotional cry: "It is time to separate ourselves from the Armed Forces. Too much pain, too much slander."

Hamami is known for maintaining a close relationship with all of his officers.

As Jakarta Police chief he dealt with several major events, including the July 27 incident in 1996 and securing the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly. (edt)