'We have no choice but to face the conflict'

City public order officers have been labeled merciless by a public shocked by their often violent approach during eviction processes. Rights activists have also condemned these strategies to clear land. But public order officers also have feelings and they share the downside of their jobs with The Jakarta Post.

Dani, not his real name, 28, is a city public order officer in West Jakarta. He lives in Kembangan, West Jakarta, with his wife and son:

Honestly, I don't have the heart to evict illegal squatters, but it is my job. I just try not to use my baton. I'm aware that some people have negative feelings toward us.

I keep in mind that, if one of the evicted residents was related to me, I should like them to be treated well.

Unfortunately, the residents, furious at being evicted, usually trigger the riot. They throw stones at us, we can only cover our heads with our plastic shields or use our batons.

We are only defending ourselves.

It's true that we get extra money from conducting evictions. But our reason is not just money. We have the responsibility as public order officers to get our jobs done. We have no choice.

Ideally, there would be a peaceful agreement between the disputed parties. But that's not easy.

Wawan, not his real name, 22, is a public order officer in West Jakarta. He resides in Puri Kembangan, West Jakarta, with his family:

It is hard for me whenever I join eviction teams. I realize that the residents are in a difficult situation. So are we.

It's hard for me to carry my baton, because I don't want to beat people. As far as I remember, I have never started the conflict.

As a public order officer, I can only follow my superior's orders. I have no choice but get the job done, regardless of my personal feelings.

During the morning briefing prior to the eviction, we were told to retreat if we were afraid of evicting the people. I wish I could have backed off but I'm also afraid of sanctions.

I thank God that I have never been injured in an eviction.

Since our position is susceptible to violence, we are told not to walk alone in conflict-prone areas, in fear of an attack by the residents.

I really wish there were peaceful evictions because we don't want to be involved in violence. An agreement between both parties is the best solution.

Yudi, not his real name, 23, is a city public order officer in Central Jakarta who lives in Menteng, Central Jakarta, with his family:

Squatters or street vendors are usually very stubborn. We initially try to persuade them. In many cases, the squatters are very aggressive and don't want to comply with regulations.

During clashes between the officers and the residents, I have no choice but to face the conflict.

As a matter of fact, I don't want it to happen like this. However, it's a part of my responsibility as an officer.

Perhaps, more persuasive negotiations with reasonable plans for resettlement could minimize the conflict.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.