Unruly policemen dismissed

JAKARTA (JP): City Police stripped seven police officers of their badges and uniforms, officially dismissing them on Monday, on charges of polygamy, adultery, desertion, and car theft.

Following the dismissal of these seven officers, 204 city police officers also face a similar fate of being dishonorably discharged, for similar violations, according to city police deputy chief Brig. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara.

"Should policemen continue to engage in criminal activities, we will not think twice about dismissing them," Makbul told reporters at his office.

Of the seven police officers who were discharged, all of whom were of low rank ranging from chief brigadier to second brigadier, one was reportedly involved in a car theft, while the others were mostly deserters.

"When it's a criminal case, for instance murder or car theft, police prepare the dossiers and hand them over to the Military Police. The officers are then tried and receive their sentences accordingly," Makbul said.

The seven city police officers were identified as First. Brig. Suhardi, discharged over car theft and desertion; First. Brig. Abdul Latif over adultery; Chief Pvt. Wardi Suyanto, First. Brig. Fajar Budiyanto, Chief Brig. Junaedi and Second. Brig. Susilo for desertion and Chief. Brig. Agus Salim for polygamy.

"This has been done to jolt police officers in the capital. They should think twice before taking a wrong step," Makbul said.

Last year, at least 30 police officers, with ranks ranging from captain to second sergeant, were detained at city police internal affair's detention center, in connection with criminal cases that included murder, blackmail, violence, robbery and car theft.

Former chief of city police internal affairs Adj. Sr. Comr. Mustofa said earlier that dossiers of 73 police officers were handed over to the Military Police in 1997, 45 officers in 1998, and 49 last year. (ylt)