Police separate from Armed Forces today

JAKARTA (JP): The structural separation of the National Police from the Armed Forces (ABRI) will mark the police's first step to become a more independent force, Minister of Defense and Security/ABRI Commander Gen. Wiranto said on Wednesday.

In a speech marking the separation, relayed live on television and radio, Wiranto said the separation was an important part of wide-ranging reforms planned under ABRI's new sociopolitical paradigm.

"ABRI's internal reform happens gradually and in accordance with laws," Wiranto said.

The separation ceremony is scheduled for Thursday morning at ABRI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta.

In the new system, Wiranto said the National Police will move from the command of the ABRI Commander to the Minister of Defense and Security.

Recently, the government dismissed suggestions that an immediate separation would take place between the defense ministry and ABRI Commander posts -- currently both held by Wiranto.

On Tuesday, in a discussion ahead of the separation, speakers said if police were to be a real civilian force, they needed to be retrained, as they had been influenced by a combat-oriented military for over 30 years.

"During this transition time, we will not simply (consider the) National Police as structurally separated from ABRI, but also culturally.

"The policy will establish a National Police attitude and a performance which is professional, skillful and dignified," Wiranto said.

Organizational and management reform within the police would be actuated gradually so it could become an effective force for law enforcement, he said.

In line with the separation from the police, Wiranto suggested to President B.J. Habibie, also the highest ABRI commander, that ABRI revert to its earlier name from Angkatan Bersenjata Republik Indonesia to Tentara Nasional Indonesia (National Soldiers).

The police have found themselves on the receiving end of mounting criticism during the past year, particularly over their handling of public unrest and rioting.

The two responsibilities of the police force, that of owing allegiance to ABRI and serving the public, are viewed by some observers to constitute a conflict of interest.

The new Armed Forces will incorporate the Army, Navy and Air Force. (aan)