New immigration chief installed

JAKARTA: Minister of Justice Muladi inaugurated Thursday Maj. Gen. Muhammad Mudakir as the new director general of immigration, replacing Maj. Gen. (ret) Pranowo.

The ceremony put paid to reports that former military secretary at the president's office, Lt.Gen. Jasril would fill the post, Antara reported.

Muladi denied that the apparent change was triggered by protests staged by 35 students of the Jakarta Students Forum last month, who had demanded the minister resign if Jasril was promoted.

"The appointment was decided four months ago... but it was delayed because Pranowo had to complete some unfinished tasks," Muladi quoted by Antara as saying.

He said there were five candidates for the post, including Jasril. "The selection was not determined only by the minister of justice and the President, but also involved related persons, especially the Minister of Security and Defense/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto," Muladi noted.

When asked why the post was being filled by a military official, Muladi pointed that the duty of immigration chief involved tough security matters. It dealt with "the points for people coming in and out of the country's jurisdiction, physical security, intelligence matters, strategy and coordination with other institutions."

But he said in another four years the post may be filled by a civilian from the immigration department. (edt)