Police reshuffle to 'promote meritocracy'
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.