Sorong gets new police chief

SORONG, Irian Jaya: Lt. Col. Charles Victor Sitorus was installed as the new chief of the Sorong Police on Monday, replacing Lt. Col. Tjiptono.

The installation ceremony was led by Irian Jaya Police chief Brig. Gen. Hotman Siagian at the Hoki Kampung Baru soccer field.

Sitorus is a former secretary of the logistics directorate of the Jambi Police. Tjiptono will be promoted to chief of the South Jakarta Police, Antara reported.

Hotman said during the ceremony that the police were now faced with heavy challenges amid the current era of reform, which was marked by increased social unrest.

"The prolonged economic crisis has sparked deviations in social values, allowing free speech to be utilized by certain persons to demand, among other things, separation from the Republic of Indonesia," he said.

He urged his subordinates to take stern action against separatist activities.