Jakarta – US Ambassador Robert S. Gelbard and National Police Chief General Rusdihardjo yesterday signed an agreement to provide training, technical assistance and equipment to enhance the professional capacity of the police force.

The US Embassy in a statement said the agreement aims to promote police practices within Indonesia consistent with internationally recognized standards of democratic policing and human rights.

The grant also provides support for the strengthening of Indonesia's capacity to detect, investigate and counter narcotics trafficking from and through Indonesia. According to the statement, the value of the items included in the agreement is slightly in excess of US$1.7 million, to be disbursed over a period or three years.

The assistance includes: training to be provided by senior US law enforcement officials; training in management and democratic policing issues; support for police training academies, including computers; and use of non-lethal material in crowd control management, including shields, helmets and batons. No firearms or munitions are involved in the agreement, nor is training in the use of firearms.

Gelbard noted that "the US has made a long term commitment to assist in the reform of Indonesia's justice sector".

"We recognize that the Indonesian National Police is a key participant in reform worthy of our support. In a democracy, the people have a right to express their views openly and the police have a responsibility to provide personal security and protect property. Appropriate responses by the police safeguard the rights of all concerned," he said.

The agreement is designed to enhance the ability of the police to provide a rapid and appropriate response in the face of threats to public order. Progress will be measured by the police's ability to carry out more effective planning, supervision, investigations, operations and other functions, while respecting human rights and the rule of law.