Woodwing Importer, Jakarta – The recruitment process for Indonesia's law enforcement officers should include firm requirements dictating "physical appearance," according to a presidential hopeful.

Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) founder and one of two candidates in the race for the country's presidency, Prabowo Subianto, detailed on Monday what he believes makes an efficient and respectable police officer.

The current band of law enforcers, he said, is no longer "feared" by citizens, and therefore no longer respected.

The formal general attended a national meeting for the families of the Indonesian Police, during which he took the stage to outline what he has in store for the nation's officers should he be elected president.

"I want Indonesia's police officers to achieve greatness; I want to see them to receive the respect they deserve, so that no one would dare stir up problems against them. We suggest that our National Police Headquarters recruit cadets who are physically fit for the job," Prabowo said.

The former Army Special Forces (Kopassus) chief then pointed to Adang Daradjatun, the former National Police deputy chief and a member of his campaign team, as a perfect example of what Indonesia's officers should look like.

Adang, a three-star police general, was placed second in command of the country's police in 2004 after 33 years of gradually climbing through the ranks. The 65-year-old shifted to a political career in 2007 when he ran for Jakarta governor as a member of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), but ultimately lost the race to Golkar politican Fauzi Bowo.

Adang, Probowo pointed out, possess the physique and commanding stature that immediately commands respect.

"Dignity is an important characteristic for a police officer. How can we demand respect when we look weak?" he said, adding that the people of Indonesia still fall into the tendency of being easily swayed by physical appearances.

"Most Indonesians judge others by their appearance, so it would be difficult for them to respect a police officer who doesn't look the part of an authority figure," he said.

The gathering, which consisted of the capital's police officers and their family members, took place on Monday at the Sultan Hotel ballroom in South Jakarta, where Prabowo's speech was met with rousing applause.

The organization's spokesman and secretary general, Alexander Oroh, joined the presidential hopeful on stage to announce its support for his presidential bid.

"After a brief discussion on the future of our country and the importance of having a strong leader, we would like to announce our support for Prabowo Subianto as the next president of our nation," Alexander said, to which the crowd responded with cheers.

"I accept your endorsement," Prabowo said. "This is a touching gesture and an overwhelming declaration. We will continue our efforts [in the election] so we can stay deserving of your support."

Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/prabowo-wants-indonesias-police-officers-look-part/