Police separate from Armed Forces today
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)