Jakarta – The National Police chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti said on Monday that he removed Adj. Sr. Cmr. Budi Samekto as Aceh Singkil police chief over his incompetence in managing the conflict, which claimed one life and sent thousands on exodus.

"We dismissed the Aceh Singkil police chief over negligence. I think the weak link is the police chief," Badrodin told news agency Antara on Monday evening.

He said that Budi was neglectful in securing his own area, which caused the conflict on Oct. 13 that killed one man, injured four people and made at least 7,000 people leave Aceh Singkil for safety.

"We have asked him if he needed back up and he said no. He should have calculated that, as it was his responsibility as a leader," Badrodin said.

The conflict started when a mob of people tried to tear down a church in Aceh Singkil, which they claimed was illegal. The Police named 10 people as suspects in the case and apprehended four while the other six remained at large.

"We have also arrested a suspected shooter that claimed a life," he said adding that the police also secured two minors who sent provoking text messages for the mass action. (rin)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/10/20/aceh-singkil-police-chief-removed-over-negligence.html