TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Police to intensify weapons search ahead of elections
Change Size
On alert: National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian (center) is accompanied by Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Idham Aziz (right) and spokesperson Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto (left) as he delivers a press statement in Jakarta on Jan.19. (Antara/Reno Esnir)
T
he National Police are set to intensify their search for weapons and illegal firearms to ensure public security during the upcoming regional elections, which will be held simultaneously in 171 provinces, regencies and cities on June 27.
Details of the nationwide security operation have been passed on to regional police forces, National Police spokesman Setyo Wasisto said on Tuesday, adding that each region had its own characteristics with regards to security and crime.
“In Madura [East Java], it’s common to see a person walking on the street with a bladed weapon. Hence, the security operation must be done in accordance with local culture,” he said as quoted by tribunnews.com.
Previously, National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian vowed to boost security precautions ahead of the elections by intensifying the search of illegal weapons.
The move was in response to recent attacks against religious leaders and places of worship across Indonesia.
Police have recorded at least 21 of such attacks from December to February this year, 15 of which were reportedly perpetrated by mentally-ill persons. The incidents occurred in Aceh, Banten, East Java, Jakarta, West Java and Yogyakarta. (srs/ebf)
