Police force adapting to challenges: Feisal

Police force adapting to challenges: Feisal

SEMARANG (JP): Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung said yesterday that the National Police force is working to adapt to changing circumstances.

"I'm encouraged to see that the growing challenges to public security and order have been accompanied by the strong resolve and spirit of the National Police to solve the problems at hand, in spite of shortcomings and various obstacles," Feisal said.

He made the remarks at a ceremony transferring the duties of former National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman Astrosemitro to Lt. Gen. Dibyo Widodo at the Police Academy here.

Feisal said the rising crime rate in Indonesia has forced the police to upgrade its ability to anticipate and deal with problems.

Gen. Feisal earlier yesterday traveled to Surabaya, where he saw duty transferring ceremonies at the Surabaya Naval Base and the Adisucipto Air Base. He later left for Semarang.

The new Navy Chief of Staff is Vice Admiral Arief Kushariadi, who takes over from Admiral Tanto Kuswanto. The new Air Force Chief of Staff is Vice Marshal Sutria Tubagus, who replaces Marshal Rilo Pambudi.

All three were sworn in before President Soeharto on Friday. (bsr/emb)