Recalcitrant officers disgrace to the nation

Recalcitrant officers disgrace to the nation

JAKARTA (JP): National Military Police Chief Brig. Gen. Syamsu
said yesterday that intelligence officers and armed servicemen
still violated Armed Forces rules.

"The number of armed servicemen involved in traffic violations
and desertion increased during 1996/1997 over 1995/1996," Syamsu
said yesterday at city military police headquarters.

"Every violation is humiliating," Syamsu said.

He said he was committed to minimizing the number of
violations by the military.

He did say how many infringements there had been.

"I should say the number was considerably small because our
servicemen have sworn to obey the soldiers' pledge," he said.

He called the Armed Forces to maintain their dignity as
exemplary citizens and reduce regulations infringements.

The highest number of infringements were off-duty traffic
violations, this was followed by desertion.

Syamsu said deserters would be taken to the military tribunal.

At yesterday's inspection ceremony, Syamsu checked the
readiness of the military police to maintain peace and order
during the campaign period which starts on Sunday.

He also reminded the Armed Forces that they were responsible
for maintaining the nation's image by remaining loyal and
dedicated.

When asked what the military police would do to serviceman
involved in drug trafficking or joining a syndicate, Syamsu said
he would not discriminate against any member who broke the law.

He cited as an example the case of a police captain, Ade
Sutiana, whose negligence allowed a woman to escape. Zarina, the
woman, escaped after she was arrested last year for allegedly
possessing Ecstasy. The military tribunal ruled to detain him for
four months and 20 days.

"The election campaign starts on Sunday and will last for a
month," he said. (10)