"The primary requirement is a three-star. In terms of the legal and police system, the appointment was valid," Tjahjo said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The proposal of Commissioner General Tito Karnavian as the sole candidate for the post of National Police Chief has met the primary requirement of the police system, the Vice Chairman of the National Police Commission Tjahjo Kumolo stated.

This was done in response to President Joko Widodo announcing his choice for police chief.

"The primary requirement is a three-star. In terms of the legal and police system, the appointment was valid," Tjahjo said here on Wednesday.

The president has the prerogative to choose the police chief he deems to be the best fit for the job.

He revealed that the National Police Commission (Kompolnas) had conveyed several options regarding the National Police Chief candidate.

The first option is to extend the tenure of the current National Police Chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti, who is set to retire in July.

"Secondly, the Police High Ranking Officials Nomination Council (Wanjakti) has submitted several names, such as that of Commissioner General Budi Gunawan, Commissioner General Budi Waseso and Commissioner General Dwi Priyatno.

"Thirdly, national police officials proposed the name of Commissioner General Tito Karnavian," Tjahjo remarked.

President Widodo had earlier proposed the name of Commissioner General Tito Karnavian, currently the chairman of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency, as a candidate for the post of police chief.

"The name proposed by the president is that of Senior Commissioner Tito Karnavian," Johan Budi, part of the presidential special staff, revealed on Wednesday.

The head of state has sent a letter naming the police chief candidate to the House of Representatives (DPR) on June 15.

"The president has complete authority to appoint the national police chief candidate, and it is his prerogative," Johan emphasized.

However, while selecting Karnavian, the president had sought inputs from various parties, including the National Police Commission (Kompolnas), the Police Chief, and the public, Johan remarked.

Karnavian was one of the names proposed by Kompolnas, he stated.

Karnavian was selected for the post to improve the professionalism and quality of the legal enforcement system, particularly against extraordinary crimes, such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and corruption, he noted.

Besides this, the national police chief is also expected to intensify synergy with other legal enforcement agencies.

The DPR is expected to hold a plenary session on June 28 to decide on the candidate for the post of police chief.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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