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Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked the Indonesian Police to remain neutral in dealing with the masses in the 2009 general elections.

The head of state made the request in his speech as "inspector of ceremonies" at the commemoration of the 62nd anniversary of the National Police at the National Monument (Monas) square here on Tuesday.

"The Police must be ready to secure and maintain public order in the process of the general elections in 2009, ... keeping in mind lessons from the 2004 general elections, the Police should always be proportional and neutral," the president said.

He also emphasized the importance of protecting the people from provocative actions and unhealthy political propaganda.

The president on the occasion also expressed his appreciation for the National Police`s services over the past 62 years.

At the ceremony which was also attended by Vice President M Jusuf Kalla and several cabinet ministers Yudhoyono urged the Police to develop and improve their capabilities in performing their tasks.

He said despite the little appreciation and the many criticisms the public had addressed to the police, the force must perform their tasks in accordance with existing regulations and laws.

After the ceremony, in response to press questions, National Police Chief General Sutanto said the Police had conducted internal and effective supervision to maintain their neutrality.

"Neutrality is very important for the police because we have to protect all parties. If we are partisan, it will disadvantage ourselves because it means we downsize the Police themselves," Sutanto said.

He said the police would take action against anyone, including police officers, who violate laws and regulations. He also called on the public to help control the police by filing a report to the authorities if any policeman violated the law.

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