REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Inspector General Mochamad Iriawan recalled his 10 month tenure as Jakarta Metro Police chief filled with several major events, including Jakarta gubernatorial election. 

Iriawan who got promoted as National Police chief Operation assistant on July 20 could not forget series of Action to Defend Islam (Aksi Bela Islam). Millions of people joined the rallies. 

He said Jakarta Metro Police were hand in hand with the military to secure the demonstrations staged by National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Council of Ulamas (GNPF MUI).

"It was unforgettable," he remarked. 

During one of those rallies, at one time he had to be among the crowd. He asked military commander of Jakarta, Major General Jaswandi, not to let TNI personnels and police officers conflict each other in any condition.  

"I told him, Brother (Jaswandi) ... if we die today, it must be God's destiny. But, we have pride, rather than not doing anything," he shared his conversation with Jaswandi when addressing farewell speech at Jakarta Metro Police headquarters on Wednesday (July 26) night.

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He remembered Brunei National Police chief General Jimmi called to confirm the numbers of mass who joined 212 rally on December 2, 2016. "I told him the number was huge. It was like the whole of Brunei people took to the street," Iriawan said. 

General Jimmi amazed to know it. He wondered how could millions of people join the rally. "It's because of God. It was an unforgettable experience," Iriawan answered.

Iriawan felt relief the rallies were held peacefully. He thanked the society, police and military personnels, the government and all parties who kept Jakarta safe. 

"Yes, my 10 months tenure was short, but it felt like four years," he said.

Iriawan said his blood pressure was high most of the time. Jakarta's situation often made him at high tense. 

"It was more than 140 mmHg. RPM-12 all the time. Never stop and always has been like that. Hopefully, during Ins. Gen. Idham Aziz tenure as the successor, the Jakarta tense already subside," he said.

Lastly, Iriawan conveyed his apologize to Jakarta residents of all his faults.

"Keep Jakarta safe," he advised.

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