Police performance praised

Police performance praised

From Koran Tempo

The death of Azahari and two other terrorist suspects after a
gunfight with the police in a rented house on Jl. Flamboyan in
Batu, East Java, has surprised many. America, Australia and other
countries have praised the performance of Indonesia's
intelligence and police officers in hunting down the bomb expert.

The exhaustive years of surveillance did not dampen the
spirit, morale and professionalism of the intelligence agency in
its efforts to trail and seize the group, which has caused
considerable anxiety for both the domestic and international
community.

In addition, the police have done very good work in Poso,
Central Sulawesi, by identifying the mastermind of the recent
decapitation of three students and the shooting of two others.

With the death of Azahari, often called the Demolition Man,
the future job of both institutions will get tougher, because it
will be difficult to further apprehend other terrorist figures
working behind the screens and controlling field operations.

Therefore, it is the obligation of legislators and lawyers to
support the work of the intelligence and police officers by
formulating regulations to strengthen their authority. Any
prejudiced or cynical attitude, any statement that may create a
negative image of the law enforcers should be avoided.

RIZAL SYARIFUDDIN
Jakarta