Police as military: Indonesia's experience

The Indonesian police (Polri) were unique in that they were once Part of th e military as well as being an extension of the Government. Since the polic e joined the military and executed a paramilitary policing style, Polri has been characterised by three problems: their terrible weakness as law enfor cers, the poor quality of policing and an unhealthy police-public relations hip. This article examines these problems and their history. It also review s the present situation and offers some possible solutions for the future.