Police Chief Responds to Succession Rumours

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has responded to rumours regarding a presidential letter (Surpres) naming his successor as head of the National Police force. Sigit stated that the appointment of the National Police Chief is entirely the prerogative of President Prabowo Subianto. He also expressed his readiness to carry out any orders given by the president. “It is the President’s prerogative. So, for us soldiers, whatever is ordered will be carried out. We are just waiting,” he said when asked about the existence of a Surpres for the replacement of the National Police Chief on Wednesday (5/8). Furthermore, Sigit confirmed that the issue has not disrupted his performance as a leader or the police force itself. “Oh, no. Not at all (disruptive),” he added.

Previously, the Chairman of House of Representatives Commission III, Habiburokhman, stated there was no presidential letter containing the name of a successor to National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. “It is not true that there is a presidential letter regarding the replacement of the National Police Chief,” Habiburokhman told reporters on Tuesday (4/8). “We urge the public not to be influenced by issues that are untrue and baseless,” he added. Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of House Commission III, Ahmad Sahroni, also denied that his side had received a Surpres for the replacement of the National Police Chief. Sahroni admitted he had also heard the rumour that the Surpres had been sent by the government and received by the House. However, he confirmed that to date, the House has not received the Surpres. “If the issue is that it has been sent, we would already know. If you ask, I will definitely answer. The problem is, there isn’t one yet,” said Sahroni at the parliament complex on Tuesday (4/8). Sahroni assessed that the issue of replacing the National Police Chief was being floated by some because they felt his leadership had lasted long enough. “Well, maybe because, ‘come on, you’ve had five years, let someone else have a turn,’ for example, that could be it,” he said.