Ayomi Amindoni, Jakarta – The frequent conflicts between military and police personnel that occurred last year and in previous years have become a concern for President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who has called on both parties to put an end to such disputes.
The President said personnel of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police should instead optimize cooperation in order to strengthen nation security.
"In 2016, we hope there will no longer be disputes between the military and the police that lead to physical violence between [them]," said Jokowi during a meeting with high ranking officers of both institutions on Friday.
"It is necessary to strengthen cooperation through joint education and training as well as in joint operations," the President added.
During the meeting, Jokowi also expressed his appreciation for the good performance of the military and the police in addressing the crisis in Poso, Central Sulawesi, in fighting forests in Sumatra and Kalimantan, in relocating the former members of Gerakan Fajar Nusantara (Gafatar) from West Kalimantan and in dealing with a recent terrorist attack in Jakarta.
He said the quick response to the Jakarta terrorist attack got a lot of appreciation from other countries. "Many other countries gave praise to the quick reaction of our security forces to immediately return the situation to normal," Jokowi said.
Jokowi also ordered the military to help the police provide security to the community and make sure that the people get protection from various kinds of crimes.
"The military and police should be the guardians of diversity within the framework of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia," he said, adding the leaders of both institutions should not be reluctant to get into the field so that they could know what happens in society. "Give a quick solution if there are serious threats to national security," Jokowi said.
National Police chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti said the meeting was attended by 173 participants from both institutions. (bbn) (+)