Reality TV cop remains on force

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.