Rp 6b fund needed for police

PALU, Central Sulawesi: An official at the Central Sulawesi Police Headquarters acknowledged the police force needed at least Rp 6 billion (US$666,666) in operational funds to provide security during the upcoming direct elections of heads of local government in the province.

The staggering Rp 6 billion fund would not only be used to finance police deployment in several areas prone to conflict, but would be also used to finance other parties that assist in security efforts in the regions, such as firemen and the civilian defense force, Central Sulawesi Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Rais Adam said on Monday.

The fund proposal has been completed and will be submitted to the respective parties including the central government, said Rais.

A direct election of heads of regional governments will take place in May in three regencies in the province, namely Poso, Tojo Una-Una and Toli-Toli regencies. -- JP