"We have received Rp1 trillion and are ready to provide security during the 2014 elections," General Sutarman said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The National Police has received Rp1 trillion as operational funds for making security arrangements during the upcoming legislative and presidential elections, National Police Chief General Sutarman said here on Monday.

"We have received Rp1 trillion and are ready to provide security during the 2014 elections," General Sutarman stated, adding that the government might increase the operational budget amount if necessary.

Earlier, spokesman of the National Police Brigadier General Boy Rafli Amar said the institution needs Rp1.28 trillion and Rp1.46 trillion to secure the legislative and presidential elections respectively.

Meanwhile, the military said it requires about Rp300 billion to help the police beef up security arrangements during the elections.

"According to the governments plans, we will receive around Rp100 billion for handling the security arrangements. Ideally, we need Rp300 billion," Chief of the Indonesian Military (TNI) General Moeldoko said.

Moeldoko pointed out that a budget of Rp100 billion was not sufficient for the military to provide adequate security coverage. However, he had decided to adopt a wait-and-watch policy as the discussions on the budget for security issues are still ongoing.

"Rp100 billion is not enough as we will be deploying all our forces across Indonesia," he noted.

According to Moeldoko, the funds are needed to arm the soldiers with adequate riot control equipment. After the Reform Era, a proper security apparatus was not put in place, hence, the need to procure it at this time, he said.

Moeldoko stated that the military and the police are committed to providing security during the elections and will be on the front line throughout the process.

"This will be done to avoid any repetitions of past mistakes and in accordance with the regulations. We do not want our technical and tactical actions to result in any errors," he added.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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