National Police Chief Rejects Merger

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National Police Chief Rejects Merger of National Police and TNI Under the Indonesian Ministry of DefenseWednesday, 23 February, 2005 19:40 WIB
TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:National Police Chief General Da’i Bachtiar has stated his refusal of a merger of the National Police and the Indonesian Military (TNI) under the authority of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense. Bachtiar said that the police as to continue to be under the authority of the president as now, but he added that some things have to be improved and completed. “The National Police force must remain as it is right now. But, a clear regulation must be established to make this binding,” Bachtiar told reporters on Monday (21/02) in Jakarta. As regards civil order, according to the National Police Chief, the TNI functions to support the National Police in matters of state security. However, up to now, there is no regulation obligating the TNI to help the police carry out their duties. “The state decree has been approved by the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Decree but no regulation regarding its implementation has been issued,” stated Bachtiar. Regarding regulations obliging the TNI to help the National Police in conducting civil order duties, Bachtiar said he still considered this necessary so that the relationship would be legal and binding.“The National Police is usually supported by the TNI, particularly in conflict areas,” he said. In addition, Bachtiar said he felt that a regulation would ease the coordination of the TNI in supporting police tasks. Previously, Brigadier General Sugeng Widodo, Head of the Legal Bueau at the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, said that the prepared draft of the State Defense and Security state decree would include matters related to the TNI chief and the National Police chief under the coordination of Coordinating Minister for Political, Law and Security Affairs. The coordination referred to in the decree relates to domestic or national security rather than state defense.

Navy Prepares Force for Ambalat

Navy Prepares Force for AmbalatMonday, 07 March, 2005 17:50 WIB
“We are already on second stage alert and ready to send ships and troops to Ambalat Island,” said the Admiral First Class Budhiharto on Riau Island, Monday (7/3).However, according to Budhiharto, the deployment of the naval force depends on the President’s decision as well as the results of negotiations between the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Malaysian government.“If we receive the order, we are ready.” He said.Indonesian Navy Base VII controls the West Fleet, which has 17 warships with around 1,200s troop personnel ready for action.Riau Regional Police Chief Brigadier General Damanhuri said that police personnel have been prepared in anticipation of any border problems with the Malaysian government on Ambalat Island. “Defending the sovereignty of the nation is what is most important,” said Damanhuri, without mentioning how many personnel had been prepared.l rumbadi dalle