City Police get new chief detective

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Nurfaizi appointed Col. Harry Montolalu as the new chief detective on Monday, replacing Col. Alex Bambang Riatmodjo, who has been promoted to Bandung Police chief in West Java.

The change came as the police face strong pressure to resolve many politically sensitive cases, including the Rp 35 billion scandal at the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), which could implicate several close aides of the President.

Harry was previously chief of mobile detectives at the National Police.

Alex's departure was a major loss for the city police, but Nurfaizi insisted the change was just a routine tour of duty and had nothing to do with the ongoing investigations by his office.

"Alex has been successful in handling many drug and narcotic cases during his assignment," he announced after a ceremony to witness the transfer of duty from Alex to Harry.

The investigation into Bulogate would likely top Harry's priority in his new assignment, including the prospect of questioning the President upon his return from a foreign visit later this week.

"I can't comment on the case right now," he said.

Three other senior officers of the city police also handed over their duty to their successors at the ceremony on Monday.

Col. Heru Tjahyono, formerly the chief of intelligence for the Central Java Police, became the chief of intelligence unit, replacing Col. Iman Haryatna. Iman has been promoted to chief of the special investigation unit for security at the National Police.

Lt. Col. Tisna Yoga, formerly the chief of training at the Directorate of Education and Training at the National Police, became the chief of the detachment overseeing headquarters, replacing Lt. Col. Nuh Syahbibi.

Col. Sisno Adiwinoto, formerly the chief of public guidance at the Maluku Police, occupies the same position but with the Jakarta Police, replacing Col. Achmad Hasan. (07)