REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian National Police will start deploying its personnel to beef up the security arrangements during the legislative election campaigns commencing March, stated National Police Chief General Sutarman.
"We will begin deploying security personnel when the legislative election campaigns begin on March 16. The election pacification period will last for 224 days until the inauguration of the newly elected President," the National Police Head noted here on Wednesday.
In 2014, Indonesia will hold legislative elections on April 9 and the presidential election on July 9. The swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected president will be carried out in October 2014.
Sutarman explained that the 224 days comprised 21 days during the campaign period, three days during the calm down period, and one day for the polling to be held on April 9.
They also include the inauguration of the members of the House of Representatives (DPR), Regional Legislative Assembly (DPRD), and Regional Representative Council (DPD).
"We have made the necessary preparations in advance, which cover the measures to safeguard ballot boxes and the logistics related to the elections," the Police Chief said.
He noted that with the pacification, the elections will run smoothly, starting from the campaigning period, polling, and until the inauguration of those elected members.
Earlier, the National Police chief also focused on sensitive issues like money politics and black campaign in elections.
"We will be vigilant about any attempt to practice money politics as a means to influence the voters into casting their votes to certain candidates. Moreover, the police will also be heedful to any act of intimidation," he added.
Besides the black campaign, there is also a likelihood of threats from terrorists and other anti-social elements.
"We will take anticipatory steps through preventive measures, creation of favorable conditions, and enforcement of the law when there is a legal violation," Sutarman noted.
He also emphasized that the police will cooperate with the people whenever they report any security lapses and deterioration in the law and order situation.
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