Police plan spending spree

JAKARTA: The National Police is planning to buy new equipment including planes, helicopters and boats worth more than US$100 million.

National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Sunday that the purchases would be made through export credit facilities from the 2002 state budget worth US$54 million, and the current allocation of $108 million from the 2003 state budget.

"Aside from purchasing planes, helicopters and boats, we are also planning to buy other high-tech equipment," Da'i was quoted by Tempo Interaktif as saying.

He underlined that the planned purchases were in accordance with the funds allocated in the State Budget, and did not violate any regulations.--JP