Indonesian Police Chief Issues Telegram to Warn 'Arrogant' Officers

english.jpnn.com, JAKARTA - National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has issued a telegram to prevent his subordinates from committing excess violence in the field after a performance evaluation found many "arrogant" police officers on duty.

This comes as the force has been heavily criticized by human rights defenders for their alleged misconduct during mass demonstrations, including the #ReformasiDikorupsi (reform corrupted) protest in 2019.

"It is true that there is a telegram," said National Police spokesperson Inspector General Raden Prabowo Argo Yuwono on Monday (18/10). 

Argo said this telegram was issued to realize the so-called Precision Police, a work program launched by Listyo to strengthen the responsibility and transparency of the force.

The telegram, numbered ST/2162/X/HUK.2.8/2021, notes a number of cases that highlight alleged police abuse, which encourage Listyo to issue the message.

The first is regarding the investigation into a case of civil abuse by the Percut Sei Tuan Police in Medan, North Sumatra. The police reportedly named a market trader as a suspect, even though he was allegedly abused by thugs.

The second is regarding Tangerang Police members who have allegedly slammed student demonstrators.

The third is regarding the alleged acts of abuse committed by members of the Deli Serdang Police traffic unit against motorists. (cuy/mcr20/jpnn)

This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Banyak Polisi Arogan, Kapolri Langsung Bertindak Keluarkan Telegram