Kristomei Ready to Replace Incompetent BNPB Officials

Jakarta – National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) chief Lieutenant General Kristomei Sianturi said he was open to replacing officials at the agency if necessary, especially where officials need to be replaced because of legal proceedings. He made the remarks after being formally appointed by President Prabowo Subianto as BNPB chief.

Kristomei said he would conduct an internal consolidation to assess the agency’s condition and evaluate its organisational needs. This comes as the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) pursues a hand-capture operation case within BNPB.

Asked about the possibility of replacing officials implicated in legal proceedings, Kristomei did not rule it out.

“We’ll see. If it is necessary because there are legal proceedings, then we should replace them,” Kristomei said after his appointment on Thursday, 15 October 2026.

He did not name any specific officials who might be replaced. He said the agency would first conduct an internal review and monitor developments in the ongoing legal process.

Kristomei to Review BNPB Internally

Kristomei said internal consolidation would be one of his first steps after formally taking charge of BNPB. He wants to understand the organisation’s condition before deciding on further measures to carry out its disaster-management responsibilities.

The review is important as BNPB faces a range of challenges, from forest and land fires and floods to volcanic eruptions.

Kristomei stressed that disaster response requires collaboration, a rapid response, integration and coordination between agencies.

BNPB cannot manage disasters affecting communities on its own, he said. Coordination is needed with ministries, agencies, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police, local governments and the public.

He also said the internal consolidation would take place alongside efforts to accelerate disaster response in various regions.

KPK Case Left to Law Enforcement

Regarding the KPK’s hand-capture operation case at BNPB, Kristomei said the legal process was entirely the responsibility of law enforcement authorities. He assured that BNPB would not interfere in the handling of the case.

“As for the recent KPK operation, we are leaving the legal process entirely to law enforcement. BNPB will not interfere. The authorities may handle it in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations,” he said.