Street singers protest Banpol

JAKARTA (JP): At least 50 street singers grouped under the Street Children's Communication Forum (FKAJ) went to the City Council on Monday to demand the dissolution of the newly established corps of civilian police auxiliaries (Banpol).

They deplored the behavior of the auxiliaries in forcibly arresting a number of street singers operating along Jl. Imam Bonjol, Central Jakarta on Wednesday night.

"They dragged and kicked our members before sending them to the Kedoya social rehabilitation center (in West Jakarta)," Aji, the group's spokesman, claimed.

He said his group would fight the auxiliaries if the city administration rejected their demands or if the officers continued to use force in carrying out their duties.

"Although they carry knives, we're not afraid to fight them," Aji claimed.

Besides knives, some of the auxiliaries are also equipped with tear gas pistols.

The civilian auxiliary force was inaugurated on March 21 to help the City Public Order Office and the police maintain law and order in the capital. (jun)