President leads ceremony of Bhayangkara day anniversary

President Joko Widodo or Jokowi led a ceremony at the National Monument (Monas) Square here on Monday to commemorate the 71st anniversary of Indonesian Police (Polri), commonly called Bhayangkara Day.

The President and First Lady Iriana, in the company of Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Madame Mufidah Kalla, arrived at the venue at 8 am Western Indonesian Standard Time (WIB).

In contrast to previous years, this time, the anniversary of Bhayangkara Day was held at Monas Square, instead of at the Mobile Bridage Kelapa Dua Command Station in Jakartas southern outskirts of Depok, so that people can witness firsthand the event.

"Last year the similar ceremony was held at the Mobile Bridage Kelapa Dua Command Station in Depok. But this year, it is at Monas area for efficiency, as well as closer to the public so that they can witness it," Police Public Relations Division Chief Inspector General Setyo Wasisto remarked.

He said the Bhayangkara Day anniversary usually falls on July 1, but this year it was commemorated on July 10 because the Police had been conducting the Ramadniya Operation until July 4. 

"This ceremony is the momentum of the Police to evaluate and improve the performance and programs launched by the National Police chief," he said.

According to him, the 71st anniversary of the Bhayangkara Day was held by all Polri units by involving all modern equipment.

A total of 2,408 joint personnel of Polri, TNI, Civil Service Police Unit, and scouts were involved in the ceremony, including at least six police chiefs from six friendly countries.

During the ceremony, President Joko Widodo has awarded Bintang Bhayangkara Narariya to four elected police officers.

"The award is given to members of the police who have been instrumental, and have carried out their task beyond the call of duty," Setyo noted

Source: ANTARA