Gus Dur seeks House help on police chief

JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid requested legislators by letter on Thursday to support him in installing Comr. Gen. Chaeruddin Ismail as the National Police chief, the National Police's spokesman said.

"The DPR received the presidential letter in the morning. To the best of our knowledge, DPR Speaker Akbar Tandjung has clearly said that the DPR could not give their immediate support considering the time constraints and the fact that the special session of the MPR (People's Consultative Assembly) is scheduled for August 1," Insp. Gen. Didi Widayadi told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

According to the prevailing regulations, the appointment and dismissal of a police chief must receive the prior approval of the House of Representatives (DPR). The House has consistently refused to approve the President's plan to promote Chaeruddin.

Separately, Akbar told reporters on Thursday: "We cannot give our support within these time constraints. This matter needs to be discussed first."

Police sources said it was likely that the President would issue a decree on Friday appointing Chaeruddin to replace National Police chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro.

"It would be perfect timing should he issue a decree disbanding the legislature at 6 p.m. on Friday. He would want his handpicked man (Chaeruddin) to lead the National Police Force when he issues the decree to disband the legislature so that he could order him to do whatever he wanted, including manipulating security conditions to his heart's content," a senior police officer said.

When Bimantoro refused to obey the President's order for him to step down, Abdurrahman issued a decree suspending Bimantoro. He then revoked this decree, only to issue another one honorably dismissing Bimantoro as police chief.(ylt/rms)