West Java, Bandung Police demand more money

BANDUNG: West Java Police will propose an Rp 8 billion budget to West Java provincial administration in order to help the police provide security in the upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, Bandung City Police have also lodged a Rp 6.7 billion budget proposal to the municipal government, said the West Java deputy governor, Nu'man Abdul Hakim.

"The proposal by West Java Provincial Police has been approved by the West Java Provincial Council and the government. The provision of funds is important, because potential conflict is imminent in the upcoming elections," he said.

The Rp 8 billion would be used to finance logistics for 15,200 police personnel safeguarding the elections.

The provincial and municipal police have actually been allocated a portion of the operation money by the National Police headquarters, but apparently the money is not adequate as they also need it for contingency funds during the elections, he said.

Separately, chief of Bandung City Police Sr. Comr. Hendra Sukmana said that the Rp 6.7 billion fund would be used to finance logistics for 2,499 police personnel in the city, 14,578 civilian guards, 482 TNI personnel and 240 task force members of political parties.

However, deputy speaker of Bandung Mayoralty Council Entjo Warso said that the council would likely approve only part of total money to be allocated to the municipal police, as the government lacked funds. -- JP