Wahid faces stand-off over police chief arrest
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Indonesian President, Abdurrahman Wahid, has given a further sign of his increasing impotence and desperation by ordering the arrest of his chief of police, who has refused an order to quit his post.
The President ordered the national police chief, General Bimantoro, and the Jakarta commander, Sofjan Jacoeb, to be arrested for violating "a number of laws", according to Mr Wahid's spokesman, Adhie Massardi
General Jacoeb gave his reaction to the news on Indonesian television. "My reply is, 'Ha ha ha'," he said in an interview. "I'm just laughing."
Meanwhile, at least 80 armed police surrounded General Bimantoro's house, vowing to protect it against any trouble from Wahid supporters.
Five weeks ago, Mr Wahid announced he was sacking General Bimantoro after one of the President's supporters was shot dead by police during a riot in East Java. The general refused to step down, claiming that he could only be forced out with the approval of MPs who plan to impeach Mr Wahid at a special legislative session in three weeks' time.
"The President has ordered the chief political and security minister and the caretaker police chief to take tough action to avoid the spreading of insubordination," Mr Massardi said. "The order will take the form of an arrest. There are a number of laws that we think they have violated."
He explained that the President believed General Bimantoro had been using his troops to back a "certain political group".
Husnie Thamrin, the deputy parliamentary speaker, said: "This will definitely affect our judgment because this policy is blatantly violating regulations. The President is increasingly lashing out with his power."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments