BeritaSatu, Jakarta – The Indonesian Police have spent Rp 49 billion ($3.3 million) on 1,857 riot guns that can be filled with pepper spray or tear gas to enhance security preparedness ahead of the general elections, a spokesman said on Friday.

The purchase was funded by the state budget disbursed last year, National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Ahmad Ramadhan said in Jakarta.

"These guns will support the operational duties of our members on the ground when repressive measures are needed to handle crimes and rioting demonstrators," Ahmad said.

The launchers will be exclusively handed to the Jakarta Police which earlier requested their supply, he added.

Police also spent nearly Rp 1 trillion on a used Boeing 737-800NG plane to increase mobility during emergency situations such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks, Ahmad said.

The plane was bought for Rp 664 billion from a company in Dublin, but there were additional costs to modify the cabin and train pilots, cabin crew members, and technicians totaling Rp 330.64 billion, he said.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesian-police-spend-rp-49b-on-tear-gas-gun