Public participation in crime prevention sought

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata called on the public yesterday to join the battle against crime in the city.

"Caring about others' fate should be developed to build togetherness to fight crime," the two-star general said in a weekly ceremony at the headquarters prior to handing over rewards to a number of police personnel and civilians.

"Discard the ego which has become the trademark of metropolitan people," said Hamami.

"Should we let a person become a victim of a crime, we could be the next victim," he said.

That's why, he said, active public participation in fighting crime is absolutely necessary.

"The limited number of Jakarta police personnel and a shortage of equipment required for their operations could be compensated by public cooperation in making the city secure," said Hamami.

Shortly after the ceremony, the police chief handed rewards, in the form of certificates and cash, to three security guards for their outstanding efforts in fighting crime.

Among the three were M. Dasri, 66, a security guard at the residence of Egyptian Ambassador Mahmoed Mohamed Osman in Menteng, Central Jakarta.

Dasri lost two fingers and suffered a serious head wound last week fight when he struggled with at least five criminals in the neighborhood.

On behalf of the police force, Hamami handed Dasri Rp 500,000 (US$212.80) in recognition of his performance.

"I really appreciate the present, which I can use for my medical treatment which so far has cost me Rp 400,000," said Dasri.

"The police gift means a lot to me and my family because I have received nothing from my employer," continued Dasri, who works for Rp 140,000 per month.

A reader of The Jakarta Post also presented Dasri with Rp 250,000 to help with his medical expenses.

Besides Dasri, Hamami also presented Rp 100,000 to two other security guards, Mat Sani, 26, and Pulung Mahmudin, 30, for their roles in stopping a group of burglars in front of the BCA bank in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, in June.

Hamami also presented cloth to 41 police officers, who were considered meritorious but unable to buy new uniforms while they awaited uniform distribution from the National Police headquarters.

The police chief then gave rewards to nine police officers who participated in the recent national sports games and collected medals.

Each of the nine officers received a certificate and Rp 750,000 in cash. (bsr)