The Cianjur Police say they will take firm measures against rioters by implementing a shoot-on-sight policy during ethnic, religious or racial-based conflicts.
Cianjur Police chief Adj. Com. Djoko Hariutomo told Antara that the measures would be taken against rioters who disrupted harmony between religious followers in Cianjur.
“We will apply [this policy] in Cianjur in line with the National Police chief's instruction. But we will adhere to the Protap [Standard Service and Management Procedures] when carrying out this policy,” he added.
Then National Police chief Bambang Hendarso Danuri issued the Protap on the shoot-on-sight policy in October last year. The controversial policy has received a mixed reaction from the public.
Djoko, however, highlighted that he hoped his men would not have to resort to the measure.
He said the shoot-on-sight policy was only one of a few police efforts to protect Cianjur residents' right to freedom of religious expression, including Ahmadis.
Cianjur is home to around 650 Ahmadis residing in 13 districts, mostly in Campaka and Campakamulya districts.
Djoko said as law enforcers, his unit did not have the right to judge whether a group had strayed from one faith or not. Faiths, he added, were the business of ulemas, priests or pastors.
source : thejakartapost.com
