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.