Today more than 3,000 civilian-owned, unlicensed guns are in circulation in the city, Jakarta Police has reported. The number does not include weapons confiscated during several recent police sweeps.

"Based on our data on weapon ownership, at least 5,000 small-arms licenses have been given to civilians for self-defense purposes," city police deputy chief Brig. Gen. Jasir Karwita announced recently at a press conference.

The Jakarta Police, following on a National Police regulation issued in 2005, have stopped issuing new licenses to owners requesting to own and use a firearm for self-defense. The regulation states current permit holders can request an extension, but the weapons must be stored at police stations in the meantime. To carry the weapon the owner must apply for a second license.

Since the issuance, Jasir said city police had retrieved 40 percent of the 5,000 once-licensed weapons.

"The owners will not get their licenses from us. We are still trying to bring in all the handguns which have never been registered," Jasir added.

He said it would take a long time to recall all the registered weapons whose licenses had expired to local precincts, because tracking down each owner posed difficulties; addresses and other specifics have changed.

The police allow only licensed security guards, marksmen who compete in sporting events, police or members of the military to possess weapons.

"Security guards and marksmen are allowed to use rubber bullets," he added.

Jasir said illegal weapons which criminals in Jakarta use did not originally belong to the police.

"We have registered all the weapons coming from us. The criminals are buying their weapons on the black market or they assemble them themselves," he said.

Before the decree a civilian who wanted to own a gun asked for a permit from the Firearms and Explosives Control Unit, part of the National Police Intelligence Division. The unit was authorized to issue handgun licenses based on a 1997 law on policing.

Under the new regulations, the applicant now has to pass a psychological test designed to assess their emotional stability, as well as a marksmanship test.

An interview and on-site visit follows to verify the applicant does indeed deal with high-risk situations.

Once approved, the National Police issues a license for possession and use of the gun. A second permit to carry the weapon is required if the owner intends to carry it outside the neighborhood of residence or place of business.

Unlawful use or trading in firearms is punishable with a maximum of 20 years in prison, according to a 1951 law on firearms possession. (naf)

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