Policewomen 'not discriminated'

SURABAYA: East Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Sutanto denied on Saturday that he discriminated against policewomen in filling strategic positions, saying the selection process for promotion was based on capability and rank.

"We do not treat them (the policewomen) differently from policemen, as promotions are made on the basis of capability and rank," Sutanto said at a ceremony to commemorate the anniversary of the Policewomen Corps here.

He, however, admitted that certain positions may not be held by policewomen, particularly considering their physical strength.

Sutanto was quoted by Antara as saying that female police officers could hold various positions, including public supervision and as subdistrict police chief in areas with minimum challenge and threat.

He also disclosed that the number of policewomen in the country reached only 900 as compared to 27,000 policemen. (02)