Police Say Imported Firearms to be Used in Conflict-ridden Areas

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto said that firearms imported by the police will be used in conflict-ridden areas such as Poso, Papua or during jungle operations. He said that the issue is now being handled by the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs. “It’s been settled and now is being handled by them, you can ask them,” he told Tempo in a phone interview yesterday.

Earlier on Saturday, police said they have imported hundreds of heavy firearms for the Mobile Brigade (Brimob). The firearms arrived in Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang, on Friday. “The guns belong to the National Police, indeed. They are acquired legally,” Setyo said.

Read: Weapon Purchase Won't Disrupt National Security: Wiranto

The spokesman also underscored that police have undergone a valid procurement process. He elaborated that the process includes specification design, auction, review from the general and financial inspector, and procurement and purchase by the third party before entering Soekarno-Hatta customs.

The clearance, however, was being handled by the strategic intelligence agency (Bais) of the National Armed Forces (TNI). Setyo said that police have confirmed the firearms or gun import to the agency. “All are carried out according to the established procedure,” he said.

KARTIKA ANGGRAENI