Pot-bellied police officers in Indonesia will now have to make a run for their money – literally.
They have been ordered to exercise at least twice a week to lose the pounds. Anyone over 100 kilogrammes must follow the weight loss programme due to a growing number of chubby officers and the public sentiment that they lack the physical fortitude to protect citizens, said Jakarta police spokesman Col Rikwanto.
According to him, stress, sedentary lifestyles and poor food choices have made the police officers pile on the pounds. Nearly 300 police officers have been enrolled, and there are plans to expand the programme to the rest of the country.
Luckily, no one will be punished for failing to lose weight, although officers are not allowed to skip the twice-a-week exercise sessions. They also do not have to follow strict diets.
Since the programme was implemented a month ago, some officers said they have managed to lose up to two kilogrammes while others said they have seen no change.
“The fat and paunchy cops can’t expect to catch fleeing criminals,” said Tangerang Police Chief Col. Wahyu Widada, in a report by AP. “This programme is aimed at changing their unhealthy lifestyles.”
It is hoped that the overhaul in image will change the negative public opinion of the Indonesian police, who are often seen as corrupt and lazy.
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