Police hearing open to public

JAKARTA: The National Police announced on Friday former Banyumas Police chief Sr. Comr. Andi Mapparesa's disciplinary hearing will be open to the public.

National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Paiman said the hearing would likely begin on Tuesday, when officers assigned to hear the case arrive back in Jakarta from gathering evidence.

"We will let the public observe the hearing for the sake of transparency and fairness," Paiman said.

Mapparesa is accused of violating the National Police's order to all officers to remain impartial during the elections.

In a videotaped speech on June 29, the former police chief told the wives of officers and families of retired officers to vote for Megawati Soekarnoputri in the July 5 presidential election. -- JP