'We have no choice but to face the conflict'

'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.