Police chief warned of types of crimes

TANGERANG, West Java (JP): Greater Jakarta Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata has warned that the rapid growth of the Tangerang township, some 30 kilometers west of Jakarta, has brought about changes in society and in the pattern of crimes.

With 1,055 companies employing a total of 137,000 workers, and a number of rapid, vital development projects, Hamami said these constitute potential factors which induce crime and disturb stability.

"There are strong indications that workers are often used as intellectual platforms to spark global issues like human rights and labor rights through demonstrations and protests," Hamami said.

Hamami was addressing a ceremony to install the new Tangerang police chief, Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna, 44, formerly the Jakarta Police spokesman. Iman replaced Lt. Col. Djoko Satriyo, 45, who has been promoted to deputy commander of the Cadet Regiment at the Police Academy in Semarang.

Among the rapidly developing projects, Hamami included housing estates, the Serpong Science and Technology Center and the planned tourism area of Kapuk Naga.

Hamami said the new police chief should be able to install pride in each police officer so that each acts with discipline and commands respect.

"Cases which reflect weakness in personnel development should be the start of revising personnel development in the Tangerang Police precinct," Hamami said.

The precinct was in the spotlight recently when Zarima, an alleged drug trafficker, escaped shortly after being arrested by the Tangerang detective chief, who has since been relieved of his job.

Hamami did not mention the case and praised Lt. Col. Djoko for his achievements in improving relations with the public. (28/anr)