Water and Air Police Squad marks 44th anniversary

JAKARTA (JP): The National Water and Air Police Squad celebrated its 44th anniversary with a series of attractions, including a show-of-force parade and 'senam joget' (dancing exercise, above photo) at its base in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, yesterday.

The morning activities were attended by a large number of senior police officers, including National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman, and ship crew members berthed near the base.

The squad, established on Dec. 1, 1950, is divided into two units, the Water Police Unit currently headed by Col. Asmuni Mochtar and the Air Police Unit currently piloted by Lt. Col. Frans Wenas.

During yesterday's ceremony, some of the Water Police Unit armada and the Air Police Unit fleet were decorated and took part in the parade (left).

At the end of the parade, Banarusman, a four-star general (in black short-sleeved uniform, above), and his wife joined squad personnel in a 'joget' dance.

With most of the armada categorized as out-of-date due to a lack of funds to procure new equipment, the members of both units have been ordered by their superiors to do their best to be professional in their fight against the faster boats used by pirates and smugglers.

"Maximize the use of the limited facilities, equipment and budget available to reach your expected operational target," Banurusman ordered the squad in his speech prior to the parade. (bsr)