Police to Stay Neutral, on Guard During Election: New Chief

Jakarta (Antara) - The police will remain neutral in the general elections next year and ensure they are conducted in a safe and secure manner, said Indonesia's new police chief, Commissioner General Sutarman, on Friday. "The police will keep a careful watch over the stages of the elections - from the printing of the ballots to their distribution to voting centers and will work to the fullest," he said after his inauguration as the new police chief by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the palace here. "The police must remain neutral in the elections. We will remain on our guard all through the stages of the elections, including the presidential election, so people can comfortably cast their ballots to choose the best legislative candidates to represent them," Sutarman observed. Indonesia plans to hold legislative elections in April next year. They will be followed by a presidential election later in the year. Commissioner General Sutarman is replacing General Timur Pradopo, who will retire in January next year. (*)