Various guns on display at police technology expo

JAKARTA (JP): Potential buyers can pick and own the handguns of their choice during the four-day exhibition on police technology at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) in Central Jakarta.

The exhibition includes real pistol bullets, teargas handguns, and rubber-bullet pistols in eye-catching displays.

The gun suppliers are also handing out application forms to visitors to possess the guns, including details of the required procedures and qualifications.

A brochure offering various pistols says one only has to submit his or her photograph, copies of one's ID and family cards, a letter of good-conduct (SKKB) issued by the city police, and a letter indicating the employment status of the prospective gun owner.

National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Dadang Garnida said the seemingly simple procedure for members of the public to posses a gun was formulated in an effort to curb gun smuggling and illegal gun possession in the country.

"The public is free to own guns so it will be easier to control (gun possession)," Dadang told reporters on the sidelines of the opening of the exhibition on Thursday.

National Police deputy chief Maj. Gen. Bimantoro, however, said that anybody who wished to own a gun still had to go through a long process.

"One still has to go through a series of tests, including a psychology test and one's shooting skill," Bimantoro told reporters.

At the exhibition, the police also handed out brochures that describe its version of how to posses a gun.

The brochures say that permits to have real pistols for civilians are only granted to high-ranking bank officials, such as president directors, president commissioners, commissioners, presidents, and directors of finance.

Legislators, ministries, governors, cabinet secretaries are among civilians who are also permitted to possess pistols, according to the brochures.

The brochures say that a license to own the pistol should be signed by the National Police chief.

The brochures also show easier requirements for members of the public who want to own a teargas handgun or guns which use rubber bullets.

One brochure even says that any jewelry store owners or directors of finance at a bank can own a teargas gun or rubber bullet gun after fulfilling some requirements, including the provision of a letter of good conduct issued by the police.

The exhibition offers various nine millimeters, as well as .40 S&Ws and .22LR caliber pistols priced between US$ 5,000 and US$ 6,600.

Various teargas handguns are offered for Rp 23 million, while rubber bullet guns are offered for Rp 41 million.

Judging from its theme, the exhibition is supposed to display various examples of the latest technologies in police gun manufacturing. However, a few displays offer other police equipment, such as bulletproof vests, footwear and armored vehicles.

"The National Police is not IT (information technology) or computer minded, yet," Dadang said.

"If we can say that just 10 percent (of police personnel are IT or computer-minded) it's already special."

Dadang, however, said that the exhibition was also meant to promote technology awareness among police personnel.

"There are already one or two crimes relating to computer technology," Dadang said without elaborating.

"(Being) a police officer without (mastering) technology is like a toothless tiger." (08)