Two directors, four precinct chiefs transferred

Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Jakarta police announced on Wednesday a major reshuffle involving two directors from two elite divisions, and four police precinct chiefs, including the chiefs of the prestigious West Jakarta and North Jakarta police precincts.

The general crime chief Sr. Comr. Matius Salempang and special crime chief Sr. Comr. Edmon Ilyas were sent to participate in training at the National Resilience Institute (Lemhamnas), and their posts were given to West Jakarta police chief Sr. Comr. Suhardi Alius and North Jakarta police chief Sr. Comr. Syahrul Mama respectively.

The posts left by Suhardi and Syahrul were filled by Tangerang police chief Sr. Comr. I Ketut Untung Yoga and West Java general crime deputy chief Sr. Comr. Dede Sunarya respectively.

Depok police chief Sr. Comr. Raja Erisman was appointed Tangerang police chief, and Adj. Comr. Ratnawati Hadiwidjaja of the East Jakarta police precinct took up the post left by Raja.

Several women police have achieved ranks as high or higher than Ratnawati's, but she is the first woman ever to be appointed as a precinct chief in Jakarta.

City police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono said the reshuffle was aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of Jakarta police as well as providing career paths to several promising officers to fill the vacancies left by more senior officers who are pursuing advanced training.

"This is part of our effort to improve our service to the public. There is nothing extraordinary about it as we have planned it," said Tjiptono.

However, the reshuffle came as a surprise as there had been no earlier indication from Jakarta police chief Insp. Firman Gani that he intended to replace such senior officers, especially in two of the most prestigious posts -- chiefs of general crime and special crime.

Even more surprising was the appointment of Suhardi Alius, who had been accused of turning a blind eye to gambling activities in West Jakarta, as general crime chief.

He was roundly criticized by the public and several members of the House Representatives over an alleged shooting incident between his own officers, officers from city police, and officers from national police headquarters, in a gambling house raid in Taman Palem in West Jakarta.