Central Java Police ban officers playing Pokemon

SEMARANG. Central Java Police have issued a firm warning against Pokemon Go use among its officers, and they are ready to proceed against any complaint of private property infringement in the region as a result of the game.

Central Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Condro Kirono said the Android-based game had been banned in order to maintain service standards to the community, as hunting the virtual monsters in the reality world could lead to a deterioration in the police’s performance.

"Pokemon Go will disrupt employees’ performances, including the police. I forbid any police officer from playing the game," he told journalists in Semarang, Central Java, on Monday, adding that the game might endanger others in traffic and violate privacy rights.

The police, Condro further said, would proceed against any complaint of private property violations by Pokemon hunters. “Let’s say somehow Pokemon monsters are in a Brimob [Mobile Brigade] station, or powder magazine, hospital, or other restricted areas. If they trespass in the area, it may end up with a complaint,” he said .

The Pokemon outbreak has begun in Semarang with Pokemon hunters often being seen hunting for the virtual monsters in several spots, including in front of the Central Java Police office. In several streets of the busiest city in Central Java some Pokestops could be found. Several motorcyclists suddenly pulled over to catch the virtual monsters and were even involved in a contretemps at one gym.

The police will not tolerate any accident caused by such reckless behavior, said Semarang Police’s traffic division head Adj. Sr. Comr. Catur Gatot Efendi. "The negligence clause applies here. So far, there has been no report yet of traffic accidents due to Pokemon Go. One thing is for sure, we consider the game as a distraction for motorists and may disrupt other road users," he said. (Suherdjoko)