Jakarta – The Chairman of the Indonesian Police Watch (IPW), Sugeng Teguh Santoso, considers the proposal from Commission III of the DPR for the police to no longer use firearms to be too hasty. According to him, the police still need to be equipped with firearms because the crime rate is currently very high.
“Because the use of firearms is certainly to protect the community from threats of violence that endanger the lives of the community itself and police officers,” said Sugeng in Jakarta, Thursday, (5/12/2024).
Sugeng focused more on the regulations regarding the use of firearms, which generally only mention the conditions for their use.
“The requirements regarding the supervision and control of firearm use by police officers need to have specific regulations, so the requirements for the supervision and control of organic firearm use by police officers,” he said.
He said that one of the requirements for using firearms is being psychologically healthy, but that is not enough.
“What needs to be done is that for gun holders, psychological examinations should be conducted routinely every 6 months. So there is a recent assessment of the psychological condition of the police members.” “If they are experiencing mental pressure, they can be withdrawn until their mental condition is re-evaluated,” he concluded.
Commission III Will Follow Up on the Proposal for Police to No Longer Use Firearms
Chairman of Commission III of the House of Representatives, Habiburokhman, will discuss the proposal on whether or not the police should carry firearms in the future. This is related to the case of a police officer shooting a student from SMKN 4 Semarang, GRO (17), which resulted in death on Sunday (24/11/2023) early morning.
“This will serve as material for us for the upcoming trial, we will discuss this material with the relevant agency, namely the police.” What is the mechanism for the use of this weapon by police officers? “What is the ongoing periodic evaluation like?” said Habiburokhman after the Commission III meeting on Tuesday (3/12/2024).
Habiburokhman also ensured that the case of the child shooting by the police would not only be resolved through an ethics trial.
“Our desire is that violations should not only be resolved in the context of ethics or official duties, but also addressed criminally. If these two matters are handled, then in the future we will discuss more seriously,” he said.
Previously, a member of Commission III from the PDIP faction, I Wayan Sudirta, asked Irwan whether it is still necessary for the police to carry firearms in the future. Considering that weapons have caused many casualties.
“People are starting to question the weapons held by the police. Does the police still need to carry weapons?” Can you explain where the weakness in the SOP is, to the point where weapons that should protect the people are not only killing the people but can also kill the police?” said Wayan in the Commission III Meeting Room of the DPR, Jakarta, Tuesday (3/12/2024).
Better to Carry a Baton
Wayan mentioned that his side has reviewed studies suggesting that in the future, the police would be better off carrying batons like in developed countries.
“There is a study, even though it is in the form of a law, that suggests the police should primarily carry batons like in developed countries. It seems that we are slowly but surely moving in that direction.” “Give us an explanation of why weapons still need to be held,” he said.
Wayan reminded that if in the future the police will continue to carry guns, they must not be used to kill the people.
“If the police can still carry weapons, use them properly. Don’t use them against the people,” he concluded.
Leave a Reply