Police autonomy calls receive strong support

JAKARTA (JP): Calls for the police to be separated from the ranks of the Armed Forces received strong support yesterday as retired generals and observers stressed the need to have an independent and credible police force.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 33rd annual class of the Police College, Tubagus Ronny Niti Bagaskara, said such a separation was necessary so that no other institution could influence the police in its investigations.

The separation from the Armed Forces would make the police a legal-formal institution which could perform its true function in upholding the law, he said.

Former national police chief Gen. (ret.) Awaloeddin Djamin said he had long been an advocate of an independent police force as a way for it obtain greater autonomy over its own affairs.

He claimed he had to plead for more funds from the Armed Forces Commander for the police as the other forces were given priority.

"I have fought for police independence from the beginning," he said. "And I think the police deserves to be treated fairly. It needs greater autonomy."

Legal expert Loebby Loqman argued that being part of the Armed Forces was a politically burdensome role for the police force.

He said that the Armed Forces has a dual function of being both a sociopolitical organization with a defense and security role, while also having the added duty of protecting and serving society.

"This role is very burdensome, especially considering the fact that police often do not get a "fair treatment" in matters such as autonomy. From budget matters and administrative functions to their role in society, all this is dependent on the Armed Forces.

"If necessary, let the police have its own court, so if there are any violations, it will be punished fairly by civilian law," he said.

Sooner or later there must be changes in the police's status to determine its role in society, he added.

National Police Chief Gen. Dibyo Widodo smiled when asked about these suggestions by journalists.

"Well, I am part of the Armed Forces. I have to stick to that. You have to remember that (Armed Forces Commander) Gen. Wiranto has given an explanation on this: the separation matter is being reviewed.

"Lets keep an open mind about this. Everything is possible. Please do not ask me how I feel about this. I am in an awkward position." (edt)