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)