Police request Rp 9.75b in funds

JAKARTA: Jakarta Police chief Ins. Gen. Makbul Padmanegara has sent a letter to Governor Sutiyoso, demanding financial assistance worth Rp 9.75 billion as part of the attempt to strengthen security in the city.

In the letter, dated Oct. 25, Makbul said that the money would be used to purchase materiel to deal with terror threats in the city.

This would include bomb detection equipment and protective gear to be worn by police on duty.

Makbul stressed that the absence of such equipment was a serious handicap for police officers in carrying out their jobs.

Responding to the request, Governor Sutiyoso said that it was unlikely for the city administration to entirely fulfill the proposals because of financial constraints. He added that the purchase of materiel should be carried out in accordance with identified priorities.

The city administration handed over 86 cars last week to the police.--JP