Medan Police head replaced, Central Java gets new chief

Medan City Police Sr. Comr. Imam Margono was replaced Monday, less than a week after dozens of armed robbers escaped with millions of rupiah from CIMB Niaga Bank in the North Sumatra capital Wednesday, killing a policeman and injuring two security guards.

Imam was replaced by Sr. Comr. Tagam Sinaga in a ceremony led by North Sumatra Police chief Insp. Gen. Oegroseno at the provincial police headquarters.

Rumor has it that the replacement is related to the bank heist but was played down by Oegroseno.

“The replacement is in line with instruction from National Police chief Gen. Bambang Hendarso Danuri as part of an acceleration process to place police personnel in line with their respective duties,” said Oegroseno.

Oegroseno added that the Medan City Police were currently occupied with security issues and he expected the new Medan City Police chief, Tagam Sinaga, adjust himself at his place of duty and serve and protect the community, especially in disclosing robberies.

According to Oegroseno, the security issue in Medan is very complex and should be seriously tackled.

Former Medan City Police chief Imam Margono acknowledged that the CIMB Niaga Bank robbery in Medan was his failure in carrying out his duties.

“I acknowledge my failure because the incident took place when I was Medan City Police chief and the incident was beyond my expectation as I was carrying out a duty in Jakarta,” said Imam, who will take position as the new Brimob commander at the Jakarta City Police.

When confirmed on a local daily report that the police had apprehended the robbers during a gunfight, North Sumatra Police spokesman Baharuddin Djafar said on Monday the bank robbers were still at large.

“Police are still looking for the perpetrators,” he said.

In Semarang, Central Java, Insp. Gen. Adward Aritonang was officially installed as Central Java Police chief on Monday, replacing Insp. Gen. Bambang Riatmodjo, who has served 20 months.

The transfer-of-duty ceremony was held at the Central Java Police in Semarang on Monday. Edward previously served as National Police head spokesman, while Alex will be in charge as expert staff coordinator of the National Police chief.

Alex, who addressed his farewell speech in Javanese, expressed his apology for every mistake during his tenure. “I also express my gratitude for the public’s support,” he said.

During his tenure as provincial police chief, police in Central Java had successfully secured the legislative, presidential and 13 regional elections in the province.

Edward promised to work hard to maintain security in Central Java and promised to learn Javanese,
like Alex.

Responding to a question on widespread robbery, Edward said the police would work hard but also called on the public to lend their support.

“We will make strenuous efforts, including shooting the perpetrators on sight if necessary.”