Indonesian President Nominates Antiterrorism Chief to Head National Police

Jakarta, 11 Ramadan 1437/16 June 2016 (MINA) – President Joko Widodo has proposed the name of Commissioner General Tito Karnavian, currently chairman of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), as a candidate for the post of police chief.

“The name proposed by the president is Commissioner General Tito Karnavian,” Johan Budi, the presidential special staff, was quoted by Antara as saying, here on Wednesday.

The head of state has sent a letter naming the police chiefs candidate to the House of Representatives (DPR) on June 15.

“The president has an authority to appoint the national police chief candidate, and it is his prerogative right,” he emphasized.

However, while selecting Karnavian, the president had sought inputs from various parties, including the National Police Commission (Kompolnas), the Police chief, and the public, Budi remarked.

Karnavian was one of the names proposed by the Kompolnas, he stated.

The tree-star general was selected for the post to improve the professionalism and quality of the legal enforcement process, particularly against extraordinary crimes, such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and corruption, he noted.

Besides this, the national police is also expected to intensify synergy with other legal enforcement agencies.

The House is expected to hold a plenary session on June 28, 2016, to decide on the candidate for the post of police chief.

The current police chief, General Badrodin Haiti, will enter retirement period in July 2016. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)