Sutanto, new head of narcotics agency

Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has named Insp. Gen. Suntanto to head the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), a post that will make him a three-star police general.

The promotion will increase the chances of Sutanto, known for his clean track record, to be selected as the new national police chief in the upcoming reshuffle currently being prepared by the President.

National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar confirmed on Tuesday the appointment of Sutanto, the outgoing head of the national police education and training center.

Sutanto will replace Comr. Gen. Makbul Padmanegara, who is to be assigned as a high-ranking officer within the National Police Headquarters, although sources say that he will later be appointed as the new chief of detectives, replacing Comr. Gen. Suyitno Landung.

With a new rank and position, the likelihood of Sutanto becoming the next police chief is stronger and insiders say Sutanto is Susilo's favorite for the job. Susilo is a retired army general, who graduated in the same year as Sutanto in 1973.

Da'i, however, dismissed speculation that Sutanto's promotion was a prelude to him being promoted to the top post.

Other candidates for the national police chief post include Deputy National Police chief Comr. Gen. Adang Dorodjatun, Comr. Gen. Makbul Padmanegara and deputy chief of detectives Insp. Gen. Dadang Garnida.

"Everyone has a chance to become the new police chief. I have said before that not only three-star generals are eligible for the position, even one-star generals could be nominated," Da'i said, but added that the President has yet to request for the list of candidates for the new police chief.