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Brimob makes philanthropist Tahir honorary member
Honorary member: The National Police’s (Polri) Mobile Brigade personnel parade businessman Dato Sri Tahir (center), Polri chief special staff Insp
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onorary member: The National Police’s (Polri) Mobile Brigade personnel parade businessman Dato Sri Tahir (center), Polri chief special staff Insp. Gen. Gatot Eddy Pramono (left) and Brimob commander Insp. Gen. Rudy Sufariadi at the Brimob headquarters in Kelapa Dua, Depok, West Java, on Monday.(JP/Umair Rizaludin)
Prominent Indonesian tycoon-turned-philanthropist Dato’ Sri Tahir has been made an honorary member of the National Police’s Mobile Brigade (Brimob) for his contribution to its development.
Tahir was one of 10 people who received honorary memberships during a ceremony at its headquarters in Depok, West Java, on Monday, which was part of several events to mark its 73rd anniversary.
The other nine recipients are high-ranking police officers, including Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Idham Azis and the National Police chief’s assistant for planning and development, Insp. Gen. Gatot Eddy Pramono.
The honorary memberships were the highest honors awarded by Brimob to police officers, state officials or members of the public who have provided concrete contributions that directly affected the development of the corps, Brimob commander Insp. Gen. Rudy Sufahriadi said.
“[Tahir] has in particular contributed to the development of Brimob’s Education Center in Watukosek [East Java] and has helped in providing houses for Brimob personnel who died in the line of duty,” Rudy added.
Tahir, the founder of the diversified Mayapada Group, is widely known as an active philanthropist who is involved in various charities.
Through the Tahir Foundation, he has disbursed millions of dollars for education, health and humanitarian causes.
In his speech on Monday, Tahir thanked all Brimob officers who worked night and day to serve the nation, saying that their efforts have made him feel safe while living and doing business in the country.
Tahir, now 66, revealed that his ties with Brimob dated back to around five decades ago when he befriended the child of a member who was his neighbor in Surabaya, East Java.
“I was once asked by a journalist why I was involved in so many charities and why I built houses since there is no such thing as a free lunch,” Tahir said.
“I explained that I’ve had lunch in Indonesia; I have enjoyed all the goodness that this nation has given to us and it’s time for me to return the favor for all the people in Indonesia.”
