Police vs military

Police vs military

Another clash has broken out between the military and police, this time in Langkat, North Sumatra, claiming the lives of several officers and civilians.

When a member of the Army's airborne troops (Linud) in Binjai was held by the precinct police of Langkat, a Linud officer demanded his release, but was rejected by police detective chief Togu Simanjuntak.

The officer was enraged, cutting Simanjuntak's ear and the finger of another policeman. Police opened fire and two other army officers were wounded. Later, dozens of Linud troops attacked the Langkat Police station.

Sadly, the incident caused the death of not only armed officers but also innocent citizens. It also disrupted daily activities in the town, located about 20 kilometers from the provincial capital of Medan.

Military and police clashes have occurred regularly since both institutions were separated, the last being reported in Bogor, West Java, with some casualties. In fact, the two forces are technically executing the same duty of providing public services and guaranteeing security, instead of creating public agony.

The military and police should take action to punish those found guilty in such conflicts. Without strict action, clashes will reoccur and the image of the two institutions will be defiled.

--Republika, Jakarta