New immigration chief installed

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)