Police chief sacked in Tangerang

TANGERANG, West Java (JP): The newly-installed Tangerang Police Chief Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna dismissed yesterday the chief of the Kronjo subprecinct to appease angry residents.

The dismissal of First Lt. Mahyudin Chaniago, with permission from Greater Jakarta Police Chief. May. Gen. Hamami Nata, was carried out "to neutralize" a misunderstanding between officers and residents, Iman told The Jakarta Post.

The incident could be the first test for Iman, who has enjoyed his new post in Tangerang for only three days. Iman Haryatna was previously the spokesman for the Greater Jakarta Police.

Hundreds of residents attacked the subprecinct on Wednesday evening when they heard that a resident had been detained for praying at the mosque too early in the morning.

All the subprecinct's windows were smashed in the attack.

The deputy of the Jatiuwung police precinct, Second Lt. Harun Idris, replaced Mahyudin.

The residents' anger began with a police officer's summons to a resident, Supena, 45, who was reciting the Koran at a mosque hours before the time for the dawn prayer on Wednesday. Supena was summoned at around 4 a.m.

Supena went to the police precinct and was received by First Lt. Mahyudin.

"I was told not to start reading the Koran too early because sleeping residents could be disturbed," Supena told reporters. Supena usually starts reciting the Koran at 3 a.m., a resident said.

"After meeting Mahyudin I was allowed to continue," Supena said.

Mahyudin also said he told Supena to consider residents who could only sleep after returning from work at 1 a.m. or 2 a.m.

Rumors circulated Wednesday morning that Supena had been detained and treated harshly by police. Hundreds of residents then went to the subprecinct for information.

At 3 p.m. Supena, who was surprised, explained what had happened, accompanied by the Kronjo district head, the local representative of the Indonesian Ulema's Council and a councilor.

Mahyudin thought the matter was solved.

But the rumor had spread to the neighboring district of Mauk. At 9 p.m. hundreds of people started attacking the precinct. Lt.Col. Iman then led a security operation to prevent further damage. No one was detained. (28/anr)