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