Police First Brigadier, commonly abbreviated as “Briptu,” is only a second-level non-commissioned officer (Bintara) in the hierarchy of the Indonesian National Police. Before 2001, this rank was called First Sergeant or “Sertu,” similar to the equivalent rank in the military. From a police rank, we can determine their educational background, and in this case, Bintara does not have much authority. But here we are with another scandal in the police institution. Briptu Hasbudi, who served in North Kalimantan, was named a suspect for allegedly running illegal mining and other illegal businesses. Is it possible for a Briptu to single-handedly operate illegal businesses? Ten years ago, we heard a similar but even more shocking story from West Papua, in the case that ensnared a petty police officer, Labora Sitorus.To subscribe please click here
