President wants Sutanto to boost antigraft drive
President wants Sutanto to boost antigraft drive
Tony Hotland and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has confidence that Comr. Gen.
Sutanto, his nominated replacement for National Police chief Gen.
Da'i Bachtiar, will be able fight corruption and improve the
police's professionalism.
"Mr. President wants Pak Tanto to boost law enforcement
against corruption, and develop the police force so as to focus
more on providing public services," said a presidential aide who
refused to be named.
Susilo, the aide said, has decided to choose Sutanto, the
current National Narcotics Agency (BNN) head, for his competency
and consistency. "Mr. President believes Pak Tanto will be able
to meet his targets."
The aide said that Susilo appointed Sutanto, one of his long-
time friends, to succeed Da'i because the President trusted him.
State Secretary Sudi Silalahi said Sutanto was selected for
his good record.
The President had reviewed several other candidates before
deciding that Sutanto was the most competent to take over the
police's top post, Sudi said.
Susilo had earlier said the appointment of Sutanto was part of
a "rejuvenation" of the police force.
However, Sutanto cannot be sworn in as the new police chief
until after the House of Representatives endorses his
appointment.
The House Commission III on security affairs is set to carry
out a fit-and-proper test for Sutanto on July 4, during which he
will be given 30 minutes to present his vision for the job and
then answer legislators' questions.
Commission chairman Agustin Teras Narang said on Tuesday the
public would also be given a chance to send in their opinions on
Sutanto's nomination, including any relevant information they had
about him, to the House during the June 29-July 4 period.
"The commission will also set up a 10-member team to visit
Sutanto's house to gather information and to confirm whether his
family supports the nomination," he said.
The result of the fit-and-proper test, Teras added, would be
announced on July 5 during a House plenary session.
The Golkar Party faction, which dominates the House, along
with the PUT NAMES HERE factions have said that they would back
Susilo's choice of Sutanto.
Meanwhile, Da'i said on Tuesday he hoped his replacement
process would be smooth.
He his successor's main role would be implementing the
National Police' strategies and policies.
"Basically, the police chief is only required to implement
policy. It's about how to manage them. I am sure the next
leaders will make some improvements," he said, standing next to
Sutanto after attending a ceremony at the State Palace.
Sutanto, however, refused to comment on his nomination to
replace Da'i. "I am still the head of the BNN. I will give a
statement after I pass the fit-and-proper test at the House," he
said.