Police have tougher job ahead

On its 53rd birthday, the National Police (Polri) is facing challenges that are even tougher than it has ever faced before. Now, Polri will not only have to face common criminals, but it must also face political criminals. With the coming of the reform era, there seems to be an opinion in the public that Polri is an arm of the New Order. Polri's efforts to rid this country of chaos and anarchy are seen by some people as inhumane. Recently, Polri's action against unruly People's Democratic Party (PRD) demonstrators in front of the General Elections Commission (KPU) headquarters received negative comments from some analysts in newspapers or even on television. Is there any action taken by Polri that will satisfy all these analysts?

All of us must remember that the police are people like us. Sometimes they make mistakes but as human beings they also want the best for the nation. Destructive action by some demonstrators must be dealt with the proper action. Have we learned anything from the May 1998 riots, a time when people disregarded the law and the police were helpless to handle the problem?

What do these analysts have in mind for our country's law enforcers? My prayer goes out to our National Police. Although sometimes national opinion might not be on their side, they have tried hard to do their job well. I hope with its 53rd birthday, Polri will improve its services to the people of Indonesia, with the help of the people of Indonesia.

ISACH WAHYU

ZULFIKAR KARMIADJI

Tangerang, West Java