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Ban on police's lavish lifestyle filled with vagueness
In an apparent attempt to build a clean image, the National Police has issued a regulation banning their officers from exhibiting a luxurious lifestyle. But there’s a big hole in the ban as it does not explain what “luxurious” is.
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Personnel from the National Police's Mobile Brigade walk toward the Medan Police headquarters on Wednesday, Nov. 13. (Antara/Irsan Mulyadi)
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n an apparent attempt to build a clean image, the National Police has issued a regulation banning officers from exhibiting a luxurious lifestyle. But there’s a big hole in the ban as it does not explain what “luxurious” is.
The National Police’s Internal Affairs Division chief Insp. Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo signed a circulating letter on Nov. 15 ordering the officers not to “show, use or display luxury items in daily life, both in the office and in public” as it could lead to "jealousy and envy toward the police institution".
Major corruption cases implicating suspiciously wealthy police officials – like former National Police traffic corps chief Insp. Gen. Djoko Susilo and low-ranking Papua police officer Adj. First Insp. Labora Sitorus – have shaped a negative public opinion of the force.
The police’s lavish lifestyle once again took the spotlight in 2016 when a terrorist attack rocked Sarinah, Central Jakarta, killing seven people and injuring 19 others.
Some police officers who exchanged fire with the terrorists wore luxury items, including Coach bags and limited edition Adidas and Gucci sneakers. Pictures of the police officers looking lavish on duty went viral on social media.
Former Jakarta Police general crimes chief Krishna Murti often wore branded accessories, such as Hermes belts and shoes. He saw it as an achievement, saying that the Jakarta Police's "cool" style on duty was on par with the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
