Police to buy 112,000 firearms

JAKARTA: National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Tuesday his office was planning to purchase 112,000 revolvers to be distributed to police offices across the country.

He disclosed that with its 250,000 members, the National Police possessed only 82,000 revolvers.

"The firearms will be purchased as soon as the budget of the National Police is approved," Da'i told a hearing with legislators here.

According to Da'i, the firearms would be purchased from PT Pindad, a state-owned arms manufacturer.

He added that the National Police would also recommend all police offices in the regions to construct a "shooting range" to enable officers to hone their skills. - JP