- ANTARA/Rinby
VIVAnews – Protests against police brutality in Mesuji and Bima, West Nusa Tenggara have spread. The protests have worsened to acts of destroying several police stations, such as ones taking place in Makassar and Solo.
Protesters threw the police stations with rocks and blocks. They also requested that several irresponsible high-ranking officials to be replaced, including Chief of Indonesian Police, Gen. Timur Pradopo.
Not just on the streets, this request has also been voiced by members of the House of Representatives (DPR). Abubakar Al-Ahbsyi, a politician from the Justice and Prosperous Party (PKS), said that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono should evaluate and consider replacing the Chief of Indonesian Police in relation with the recent cases of police brutality.
House speaker, Marzuki Alie, said that it is unfair to blame the Chief of Indonesian Police. “We can’t just blame the Chief of Indonesian Police,” he said.
Marzuki said that the land-related cases have occurred many times before. “It is just a coincidence that the cases are blown up now. Almost every region experiences similar case,” he said.
Marzuki said that there are many other cases waiting to be revealed. So, the solution is not just to replace the number one person in the Police Department. “The same issue might resurface in a few years if we don’t reform our agrarian affairs,” he said.
One of the results of the so-called agrarian issue is concerned with the massive land ownership by Sinar Mas Group (SMG). “In an area, the company owns almost one million hectare of land. It’s just outrageous. Is it even fair?” he said. “This should be re-evaluated. Equality must be put into consideration.”
The Chief of Indonesian Police visited Bima, West Nusa Tenggara after the riot in Sape Port. He instructed his subordinates to handle matters professionally and by using persuasive approach. “If any (legal) issue arises, we will process it using legal framework,” said Head of Police Public Relations Division, Ins. Gen. Saud Usman Nasution.
He said, Timur has also instructed that probe is carried out into certain police officers allegedly involved in the case.
