Jokowi Instructs Law Enforcement to Support Govt Policies, Economic Reform
Jakarta. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo addressed five crucial points in his instructions to top ranking National Police and members of the Attorney General’s Office, in a bid to align their priorities with government policy at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday (19/07).
The president, in his speech a day before swearing in the new chief of the National Counterterrorism Agency, instructed law enforcement officers to support the government’s efforts to reform the economy.
“We have been in a helter-skelter to apply reforms, both in [terms of] economic deregulations and tax amnesty. However, if it is not supported by [civil servants] across the region, it will not work. Everything should be in the same line and rhythm to be orchestrated well,” said Jokowi as quoted in an official statement.
Jokowi also highlighted that members should not apply discretionary policies in terms of handing out criminal sanctions, “Please differentiate between stealing and administration. I think the regulation has been [made] clear, where one is returning [misappropriated funds] and those who aren’t,” he added.
Jokowi also mentioned that if the Supreme Audit Agency, or BPK, reports any losses against the state, 60 days are given to submit the amount in question. He also requested that all data on any state losses should be concrete and not made up.
The president also instructed that cases should not be exposed to the media ahead of prosecution.
“What if they are proven not guilty?” asked Jokowi, highlighting that the judicial system should be respected and a trial played out in the hands of the media could jeopardize this.
Jokowi also deplored complaints against law enforcement officials from mayors, district heads and governors saying, “We have to safeguard these reforms at our best in the districts, cities, provinces, including the central [government].”
Also in attendance were Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Chief Security Minister Luhut Panjaitan, Attorney General M. Prasetyo and National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian.
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