Police reshuffle to 'promote meritocracy'
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The National Police have announced the largest-ever reshuffle under chief Gen. Sutanto, which an analyst claims kick-starts a new paradigm that will promote meritocracy.
In a telegram dated Dec. 9, made public on Saturday, Sutanto appointed 13 new regional police chiefs, of whom eight will get a promotion in rank.
Also promoted was Bali Police chief Insp. Gen. Made Mangku Pastika, who will become the operational chief of the National Narcotics Agency, a post left vacant by Sutanto following his appointment as National Police chief in July. Sr. Comr. Indradi Tanoes, who recently led the raid on the world's third largest ecstasy plant in Serang, Banten, also won a promotion as the head of the drug squad at the National Police Detective Directorate.
Yusuf Rizal of the People's Information Center (Lira) said the major reshuffle marked an end to the old career planning system within the police that took into account seniority and personal ties.
"It seems that Sutanto has chosen officers with capability and capacity for the new posts, instead of seniority. This should set a precedent that selection of leaders will be conducted based on measurable criteria," said Yusuf.
He said the reshuffle should also facilitate investigations into officers implicated in cases of abuse of power.
Yusuf was referring to South Sulawesi Police chief Insp. Gen. Saleh Saaf, who will hold a new post as National Police chief expert staff.
A non-governmental organization has reported Saleh Saaf to the Corruption Eradication Commission in connection with a graft case in the police communications network project that caused Rp 600 billion in state losses. Saleh denied the allegations, saying the project involved the government, not the police.
"To some extent the latest reshuffle has something to do with cases that have tarnished the police's image. Investigation into officers implicated in abuse of power cases will be effective after they no longer hold strategic posts," Yusuf said.
National Police recently dismissed Bogor Police chief Sr. Comr. Tjiptono for alleged sexual harassment, three months after his predecessor Sr. Comr. Bambang Wasgito was also demoted for his alleged role in an assault on a subordinate officer.
National Police general supervision head Comr. Gen. Binarto had earlier resigned after an East Java water police officer conceded to having released a vessel believed to have been carrying smuggled fuel following the intervention of the senior officer.
"In the future, punishment for police officers must be double the penalty for ordinary people, because they are supposed to be enforcing the law," Yusuf said.
He said appointment of officers with relatively good track records for key posts should continue.
"Sutanto won't be able to bring reform to the police all of sudden, but he will make all police personnel adjust themselves to the new paradigm," Yusuf said.