Indonesia's New Intelligence Agency Chief Sworn In

Jakarta, 08 Dzulhijjah 1437/10 September 2016 (MINA) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday installed Commissioner General of National Police Budi Gunawan as the country’s new State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief.

Gunawan replaced retired army lieutenant general Sutiyoso, who had led the agency since July 8 last year.

Gunawan was nominated by President Widodo and had been approved by the House of Representatives (DPR).

A day before the DPR approved his appointment, Budi underwent a fit and proper test conducted by the House Commission I.

With the post of deputy National Police chief falling vacant, National Police chief General Tito Karnavian is expected to propose a replacement soon.

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The candidate for deputy National Police chief will be the most senior police officer who will be inducted after Budi is formally made BIN chief, according to Tito.

Penetration and spread of radicalism, transnational crimes and insurgency, are among the main challenges facing the Indonesian intelligence agency. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)