Officers equipped with gas pistols

JAKARTA (JP): The increasing threat of violence faced by City Public Order Agency personnel has led the agency to purchase 100 gas pistols, which are designed to incapacitate people, from the police to aid its staff in dealing with stubborn street traders, homeless people and illegal squatters.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the agency's boss Hadi Utomo said his office had placed the order for the equipment and hoped to receive the delivery very soon.

"The 100 pistols would be distributed equally between all five mayoralties in the capital. We ordered the guns after ascertaining that they were necessary for our officers in dealing with any public resistance during our raids," Hadi said.

The latest threat against the agency's personnel was experienced by West Jakarta Public Order Agency Chief Jornal Siahaan during a raid on illegal squatters in Cengkareng on Wednesday, he said. Siahaan suffered serious wounds to his arms after being struck with a machete.

"This is not the first time my officers have been hurt by such violators of public order," Hadi added.

However, he guaranteed that the weapon would not hurt or endanger the lives of people.

"Those hit by the gas pistols would only be unconscious for around 15 minutes. So, it's not a deadly weapon," he added.

Governor Sutiyoso supported the decision to buy the guns. He also expressed hope that police would be able to arrest the attackers of Jornal.

"I have reported the case to the police. They should do something about it because if the police fail to do something to settle this case, such things would be likely to happen again," Sutiyoso said.

"I know that this is not the first incident faced by our officers, so it is very urgent for us to arm them with more sufficient equipment," he added.(dja)