New police chief vows control over militant groups

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Thu, 06/22/2006 3:05 PM  |  Jakarta

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

New city police chief Insp. Gen. Adang Firman said Wednesday controlling militants and radical organizations was on his list of priorities, though he offered no firm details on how this would be achieved.

""We'll take strict action against groups that violate the law, as instructed by National Police chief Gen. Sutanto,"" Adang said after officially taking over the post from Insp. Gen. Firman Gani.

However, he said his officers would not target the organizations themselves, but only those individuals who committed acts of violence.

""We're not going to disband any group,"" he said.

Adang called on the public to cooperate with police in dealing with thuggery and radicalism.

The former head of the West Sumatra Police also promised to continue the policies of former chief Firman Gani. ""I'll keep everything that is good and continue what still needs to be done.""

He said construction of a building for the antiterrorist Detachment 88, which was halted due to funding problems, would also be continued.

The new chief promised to crack down on corruption and gambling in the city, along with thuggery. ""This is our commitment,"" said the 56-year-old, who graduated from the Police Academy in 1973.

Analysts have questioned whether Adang is the right man for the position, pointing out he is older than his predecessor. They also doubt his ability to take the tough measures necessary against radical groups.

Indonesian Police Watch chairman Neta S. Pane told The Jakarta Post a strong police chief was needed to deal with the city's problems.

""The Jakarta Police set the benchmark for the work of the National Police,"" he said. ""The first thing the new police chief has to do is control militants and radical organizations.""

There has been growing public apprehension about the activities of religious and ethnic organizations using violence to promote their agendas.

The Betawi Brotherhood Forum (FBR) and the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) are among the organizations the public has urged the authorities to disband.

Police have named FBR chairman Fadloli El-Muhir a defamation suspect for comments he made about women, including former first lady Sinta Nuriyah Wahid, protesting the proposed pornography bill.

Meanwhile, in the early hours of Wednesday, FBR members clashed with local residents along Jl. Kramat Lontar in Central Jakarta. One resident was injured in the incident.

The violence began when residents complained about a late-night live dangdut music show the FBR members had organized. When the FBR members refused to stop the noise a fight began.

Adi Agus Prasetyo suffered a head injury in the brawl and was taken to 128 Hospital in Central Jakarta. Police are investigating the incident. (01)

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