I refer to an article titled '€œDishonest officials hinder police reform'€ (The Jakarta Post, May 12, p4).

There is a common public perception that generally our police personnel beginning from the lowest rank onto the three stars can be bought '€” for the right price.

Although this is true also in many other third world countries struggling with poverty and corruption, continuous, progressive (immediate and long-term) reform is a must for our national police force.

The selection of an activist and corrupt-free chief of police whose reform programs will be rigorously evaluated, approved and monitored by an empowered National Police Commission (Kompolnas) and who will be '€œcontracted'€ to achieve the goals of the programs with measurable progressive objectives, is key.

If upon periodic evaluations, he fails to achieve the goals jointly set with Kompolnas, he is fired. Thus, the selection of a police chief is tied to performance, and hopefully less political ties.

I think leadership is key to any police reform. The police chief sets the culture, standards and the expectations.

James Waworoendeng
Jakarta

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