Reality TV cop remains on force
Leony Aurora, Jakarta
Despite a dismissal recommendation from the Jakarta Police Professional Ethics Board, First Insp. Sunarjo, a policeman involved in a crude "candid camera" show, will stay in the force, but under probation.
Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanegara announced on Friday his decision on the matter, saying that Sunarjo had a clean record prior to the show.
"I respect the recommendation from the (ethics) board, but I have the prerogative on the final decision," Makbul told a media conference.
Sunarjo's superiors had said that he was good in his job, albeit naive, added Makbul.
As punishment, Sunarjo has been transferred to the personnel bureau at the city police headquarters, with no permanent position. "If, in six months, he demonstrates good performance in his work, we will give him a post according to his rank."
Kebon Jeruk Police deputy chief Adj. Comr. Hermino, Sunarjo's superior, who approved the show, will get similar treatment, said Makbul.
Sunarjo, 47, was found guilty by the ethics board for his role in orchestrating the plot in Mbikin Orang Panik (making others panic), a program developed by the production house PT Avicom and aired by RCTI.
He and five subordinates forcibly arrested and questioned a victim, Piko, who had been set up by a friend, Adi, for drug possession. The officers stopped Piko's car and "discovered" pre- planted marijuana and a knife. They hauled him and another friend to the police station.
During the "interrogation", two policemen told Piko to take off his shirt and pants, as requested by the production house.
The whole episode was considered by the police chief to have tarnished the institution's professional image.
Taking into account the principle of command responsibility, the board decided the subordinates were not guilty. However, two, who acted as interrogators, were ordered to participate in a professional ethics training course.
Makbul stressed again the police was not placing blame on the TV station. "We shall address this matter internally, not externally," he said.
RCTI announced the suspension of its five reality show programs for an indefinite period after the Sunarjo case was given extensive coverage by the press.