Jakarta – In a bid to cast off their image as ruthless supporters of the authoritarian New Order regime of ex-president Soeharto, police have begun to don new uniforms and are now conducting charity programs to help the poor.
In conjunction with the 53rd anniversary of the National Police, the Jakarta Police is providing medical assistance to impoverished people.
Working with members of the National Police, students and social workers, the Jakarta force yesterday inspected the health of poor people in Cilincing, North Jakarta.
As the economic crisis celebrates its second birthday this month, many sick people cannot afford to seek medical treatment at hospitals.
National Police Inspector General Major General M. Nurdin said the charitable activities will continue today, with police scheduled to treat 4,500 families suffering from dental illnesses and eye diseases. Ailing individuals who are seriously wounded will be sent to public health centers, he added.
The charitable activities were planned three months ago and are being supported by 250 nurses and doctors, 350 medicine students from various universities in Jakarta, the Walubi Buddhist Foundation, and concerned city residents.
Police also instructed the poor about family planning and the reason for using condoms to prevent the birth of unwanted children.
The social workers and police also helped needy locals to obtain ID cards, birth certificates, and land certificates, all free of charge, as the activities were aimed at improving the image of the police.
"We intend to make people believe we are helpful to them," said Major General Nurdin. Apart from the charitable activities, he said police are also trying to boost their image by replacing their regular brown uniforms with new light green outfits, to make them look less cruel.
If police no longer appear cruel, people will be more courageous to ask them for help, he said. "The personnel have been wearing the new uniforms since the 53rd anniversary [of the National Police] on July 1," said Nurdin.
Walubi Chairwoman Hartati Murdaya said it's important that well-off people should help those who are suffering from various diseases but have no money for medical treatment. "We are concerned about the people here who still live below the poverty line," she said.