Bagus BT Saragih, Jakarta – The National Police recently commemorated its 64th anniversary amid controversies and criticism from the public over many issues, including a lack of transparency and the force's lack of action in dealing with the Islam Defenders Front (FPI).

Police chief detective Com. Gen. Ito Sumardi spoke to the press, including The Jakarta Post's Bagus BT Saragih, shortly after attending the anniversary ceremony in Kelapa Dua, Depok, West Java, last Thursday.

Question: The police have been criticized for failing to take action against FPI members, who often resort to violence. How do you respond to this?

Answer: The police have limitations. We cannot monitor all social activities. Therefore, we need your help. Inform us if you want to hold any meeting. If you don't, how can we give you any protection? Please, don't say the police didn't do anything (to protect the public). Society has become more dynamic now.

The public has grown suspicious that the police are backing the extremists. Is this opinion correct?

No. No. That's completely incorrect. The FPI is a registered social organization. They are under our protection and supervision. We protect them. But that does not mean that we are allowing them to enforce the law like we do.

The National Commission for Human Rights has indicated the police were negligent during the Banyuwangi incident in which FPI members allegedly disrupted a meeting between lawmakers and their constituents. How do you respond to this?

It is their right to express their opinion. However, I suggest that all parties study first what really happened before forming any judgment.

Has the force investigated several top officers who, according to Tempo, have implausibly large amounts of money in their bank accounts?

There are 21 officers whose bank accounts are now being checked out. We're still waiting for the results.

How many officers are having their accounts checked out?

Some of them.

Who are they?

I won't tell you.

Police chief Gen. Bambang Hendarso Danuri said in a ceremony speech that the police must promote transparency and be accountable. Why do the police seem to be very defensive in responding in this matter?

You must understand that being transparent is good as long as it does not break the law. Bank accounts, according to the Banking Law, are confidential. After all, we must also respect the presumption of innocence.

But is the police following up on Tempo's report?

I've told you, we're checking out the accounts. That's what we're doing.

While the public expect answers about the officers' suspicious bank accounts, the police announced that they would sue Tempo. Why?

This is about how to respect one another. This can be a lesson for both the police and the media. If you want to criticize, go ahead, but respect the law.

The police are now investigating a case that implicates police officers. Can the police be impartial and avoid conflict of interest?

We are professionals. Police detectives must throw off their affiliations – both personal and institutional.