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.