Police reluctantly acquisce to military authority in Maluku

Police reluctantly acquisce to military authority in Maluku

Yogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Despite its objection, the National Police have quickly adjusted
itself to the new structure of security forces in Maluku, which
sees the Indonesian Military (TNI) in command.

National Police deputy spokesman Brig. Gen. Edward Aritonang
said on Wednesday the corps had no choice but to adapt to the
changing security conditions in the restive province.

"Don't be mistaken... the police did show subtle signs of
protest. However, orders from the civil emergency administrator
(PDS), Governor Saleh Latuconsina, were clear. He stated that the
commander of the Pattimura Military Command should be in charge
of the security restoration operations. This surprisingly, is in
line with the law," Aritonang told The Jakarta Post.

He said that according to Law No. 23/1959 on the state of
emergency, even though it clearly stipulates that police are the
front-line authority during a period of civil emergency, it also
states that the civil emergency administrator has the authority
to issue regulations considered necessary, for public order and
regional security.

Latuconsina issued a regulation, giving the command for
security restoration operations, to the new Pattimura Military
Commander Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso. The decision followed TNI's
appointment of Djoko, who is from the Army Strategic Reserves
Command (Kostrad) as the commander of security restoration
operations in Maluku.

Aritonang said that in a bid to maintain security in Maluku,
the police have had to make adjustments to work effectively as
subordinates of the military.

He was speaking on the sidelines of a press conference at
National Police Headquarters, where it was announced that Maluku
Police chief Brig. Gen. Soenarko would retain his post.

"After conducting an evaluation, National Police Headquarters
has decided that Soenarko has the capability to work as the
deputy of Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso," Aritonang said.

"Soenarko is not going to be replaced just yet. Maluku Police
under him have even managed to confiscate thousands of guns in
Maluku from militant groups since April."

According to MPR Decree No. 7 on the role of the Indonesian
Military and the National Police, the police are in charge of
security, while the military is in charge of defense matters and,
when necessary, will back up the police.

Critics earlier slammed the government's decision to assign
Djoko to Maluku, saying that it pointed to the clear domination
of the military there and TNI's refusal to submit to orders
issued by the police or civilians.