It would be better if the police were to focus on helping people facing difficulties to proffer a sense of safety and protection, the lawmaker from the Democratic National (NasDem) Party stated here, Tuesday, in connection with a telegram letter of the National Police Chief ordering strict actions against those insulting the president and other government officials in responding to the COVID-19 crisis.
Sahroni reminded that Indonesia is a democratic nation, so the people were entitled to air their critical views on the president and government.
Sahroni pointed out that based on the current alarming scenario, the police must instead prioritize and remain fully committed to offering services and protection to the community at large.
"The police must remember that they are paid by the people and are working for the people. In a difficult situation as today, the police must instead be at the forefront in protecting and serving the people," he emphasized.
He cautioned that the telegram, addressed to the Police's Crime and Investigation Department (Bareskrim) head and the provincial police chiefs across Indonesia, could potentially lead to an "abuse of power".
"This rule is very dangerous. This has the potential to become an 'abuse of power' as even minor criticism could lead to the police taking immediate action," Sahroni noted in a statement.
Instead of focusing on dealing with criticism against the government or president, he urged the police to help in enforcing the rule to wear face masks and practice the social distancing measure in public areas amid the pandemic.
"Those are more useful for the National Police to do so," he stated.
Earlier, National Police Chief General Pol. Idham Azis had issued a Telegram Letter pertaining to guidelines on the implementation of the criminal and investigation functions against cybercrimes and on law enforcement against cybercrimes during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Telegram Letter number ST/1100/IV/HUK.7.1./2020, dated April 4, 2020, highlights several types of violations or crimes that may occur during the COVID-19 emergency period, such as deliberate disinformation or hoaxes regarding COVID-19 issues and the government's policies, insulting the president and government officials, frauds in the sale of medical products, and crimes by people not complying with health quarantine protocols.
Ranks of the National Police are urged to coordinate with internet providers and offer security to internet service providers, who will conduct routine maintenance.
The police is instructed to conduct strict law enforcement and make public those cases that were successfully tackled, so as to serve as a deterrent effect and prevent similar crimes in future. Related news: Police deploy drone to monitor temperature of motorcycle taxi drivers
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EDITED BY INE
Translator: Imam B, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
