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