Police chief accepts survey

JAKARTA: National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar acknowledged on Monday rampant bribery in the police force as reported in a survey that cited the police as the second-most corrupt institution in the country.

"I know there are police officers who ask for money on the streets or when they receive reports on losses or criminal cases, but we are working to remedy that," Da'i said on the sidelines of a graduation ceremony of police cadets.

He added he fully accepted the result of the survey which was conducted by Transparency International Indonesia (TII) as a fact, saying it would serve as a reference for further steps he would take to eliminate illicit practices within the police.

Da'i would not elaborate on the measures, but said he would simplify bureaucratic procedures in order to minimize the opportunities for police personnel to abuse their power.

"I call on the public not to offer money to police officers on duty, and if they ask for money just note down their names and report them to us," Da'i said. -- JP