Head of the National Bureau of Narcotics Comr.Gen. Budi Waseso, who was Tito`s senior in the police academy, described Tito as having capability to lead the state police.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokwi) has named Comr.Gen. Tito Karnavian as the sole candidate to replace outgoing police chief. Gen. Badrodin Haiti, who would retire on July 24.

The decision put an end to speculation as to who is the countrys next head of state police although the nomination has yet to be approved by the House of Representatives.

The president picked Tito over a number of more senior police officers. The choice surprised many as Tito is the youngest among nine candidates of three star generals.

Clearly,President Jokowi has, uninfluenced by political pressure, picked a man he thinks best, observers said.

"It was purely a professional choice. It was no a political choice," a lawmaker from the ruling party who preferred to remain anonymous.

Few expected that the choice would fall on Tito , but many , in fact, almost all voices have expressed approval.

Tito was widely welcome and Jokowi was lauded for making the "right choice."

Lawmakers, observers, business people even his former rivals spoke favorably of him , of his managerial skills and ability to communicate with all colleagues both senior and junior.

Golkar party, which has the second largest number of seats at the House of Representatives, was quick to voice support for the choice made by the president.

"For me Comr.Gen. Tito,a young police general, is very capable with high and undoubted integrity and performance. President Jokowi has been right in picking Tito," Golkar General Chairman Setya Novanto said.

Head of the National Bureau of Narcotics Comr.Gen. Budi Waseso, who was Titos senior in the police academy, described Tito as having capability to lead the state police.

Budi, who was earlier seen as a strong rival candidate, said Tito gets along well with everyone and is capable of carrying out the job as police chief.

He said everyone in the police department would support Tito as the new chief.

A businessman from Papua said Tito succeeded in maintaining security in regional election in Papua when he was police chief in that turbulent province.

Tito led anti terrorist police squad Densus 88 to eliminate and arrest terrorist leaders such as Noordin Top.

As Jakarta police chief, he successfully restored peace and security in a matter of a few hours after a terrorist attack on public facility in the capital city earlier this year .

Tito was only 51 years in age, the only graduate from the police academy in 1987 in the ranks of three star generals. He was the best graduate from that academy that year.

He won a number of degrees from foreign institutes and he is considered clean with high integrity.

Police professionalism

President Jokowi wanted Tito, when he is later installed new police chief, to improve police professionalism and speed up the process of reform in the law enforcing agency.

The president reminded police of problems that need serious addressing - corruption, drug related crimes and terrorism.

Tito is expected to be able to improve relations and cooperation among the law enforcement agencies including the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the attorney general office.

Police have seen KPK as a rival in the fight against rampant corruption in the country.

Relations between the two agencies have not been harmonious after KPK charged a number of police leaders with corruption.

Internal Consolidation

Some observers said internal consolidation would be a challenge to be faced by Tito, being the youngest among the police top brass.

Tito, however, dismissed the worry, saying he has been used to working with more senior officers.

He said has has done well in coordination and communications with other officers without being hindered by seniority.

He said seniority is important but what is more important is inter-personal relation with every one , though it does not mean pleasing every one .

Tito has yet to go through fit and proper test by the House of Representatives .

After the fit and proper test, the House would hold a plenary session on whether to approve or reject the candidate later this month, but from the many comments have been issued, there should be no stumbling block on his way to the top .(*)

Reporter: Panca Hari Prabowo/A. S
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016