Kapolri Listyo Sigit Responds to Replacement Rumours: It's the President's Prerogative
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has responded calmly to the circulation of rumours regarding a presidential letter (Surpres) concerning his replacement. Sigit stressed that the decision regarding the leadership of the National Police (Korps Bhayangkara) is entirely the prerogative of President Prabowo Subianto.
Speaking in Jakarta on Wednesday (5/8), General Sigit expressed his readiness as a soldier to comply with whatever decision the head of state makes. He chose to wait for official direction without being burdened by the developing speculation.
‘That is the President’s prerogative. So, for us as soldiers, whatever it is, we carry it out. We just wait,’ Sigit said in response to questions from the media.
Furthermore, Sigit confirmed that the issue of the Surpres regarding his replacement has not affected police operations. He guaranteed that all levels of the National Police remain focused on carrying out their duties and providing optimal public service. ‘It is not (disrupting performance) at all,’ he stressed.
Previously, the Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Habiburokhman, had denied the existence of an official letter from the Palace regarding the replacement of the National Police Chief. In an official statement on Tuesday (4/8), he stated that the information was untrue and urged the public not to be provoked by baseless speculation.
Similarly, Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the DPR RI, Ahmad Sahroni, confirmed that the DPR has not received any Surpres regarding the position of the National Police Chief. Sahroni instead expressed appreciation for General Sigit’s performance over the past five years, which he described as extraordinary.
‘He has worked exceptionally well, and even if there are shortcomings, that is normal. I believe the President will retain Pak Sigit because his performance is quite good,’ Sahroni said. According to him, there is currently no urgent need to change the leadership within the National Police.