Five provinces get new police chiefs

Abdul Khalik, Jakarta

National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar installed on Wednesday five new provincial police chiefs as part of the force's latest reshuffle.

Da'i said the tour of duty was needed to keep the police operating effectively, particularly due to the retirement of some high-ranking officers.

"This is a normal tour of duty. It is necessary to fill the vacant posts as soon as possible because we have many things to do, especially during the election process," said Da'i.

The reshuffle is a consequence of the retirement of deputy National Police chief Comr. Gen. Kadaryanto and National Narcotics Agency (BNN) operational chief Comr. Gen. Togar Sianipar.

Provinces which are welcoming new police chiefs are Jakarta, East Java, Central Java, North Sumatra, and West Kalimantan.

Insp. Gen. Firman Gani, former chief of the East Java Police, took over as Jakarta Police chief from Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanegara, who has been promoted as BNN operational chief.

Insp. Gen. Edi Sunarno left his post as North Sumatra Police chief to fill the shoes of Firman, while former West Kalimantan Police chief Insp. Gen. Iwan Panji replaced Edi.

Iwan's former post was filled by Brig. Gen. Nanan Soekarna, a former Jakarta Police deputy chief, who was succeeded by former deputy Police College governor Brig. Gen. Eko Danto.

The position of Central Java Police chief is now held by Insp. Gen. Chaerul Rasyid, replacing Insp. Gen. Ismerlda Lembang who was promoted to National Police chief of security affairs.

On Tuesday, Da'i inaugurated Comr. Gen. Adang Dorodjatun, a former chief of security affairs, as deputy National Police chief in place of Kadaryanto.

National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Paiman denied rumors that organizational consolidation within the police force ahead of the presidential election runoff was behind the latest rotation.

"It has nothing to do with the election. The police are neutral and will remain so," said Paiman.

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National Police reshuffle

No. Officers Current post Previous post

1. Adang Dorodjatun Deputy police chief security affairs chief 2. Makbul Padmanagara BNN chief Jakarta chief 3. Firman Gani Jakarta chief East Java chief 4. Edi Sunarno East Java chief North Sumatra chief 5. Iwan Panji North Sumatra chief West Kalimantan chief 6. Chaerul Rasyid Central Java chief security affairs deputy 7. Ismerlda Lembang security affairs chief Central Java chief