Mr President has wanted me to work, work, and work.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Newly instated Indonesian Police Chief General Idham Azis drew attention to President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi’s) advice to him to continue working.

"Mr President wants me to work, work, and work," he told journalists shortly after President Jokowi inaugurated him here on Friday as the police chief to replace General Tito Karnavian.

Karnavian became the home affairs minister in the Jokowi-Ma'ruf Amin administration's Indonesia Onward Cabinet line-up since October 23, 2019.

"I thank Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala for His mercy and blessings, so this mandate is given to me. I also thank President Joko Widodo for trusting me to become the police chief," Azis stated.

He will continue to work closely with the Indonesian Defence Forces (TNI) to maintain security and public order across the archipelago," he remarked.

Azis took his oath of office on Friday after the House of Representatives’ (DPR’s) plenary session approved his installment as the police chief to replace Tito Karnavian on Thursday.

The tour of duty from General Tito Karnavian to General Idham Azis will be officially held on November 6. Azis is challenged to uncover the case of acid attack on senior investigator of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Novel Baswedan.

The acid attack on Baswedan, a senior investigator of the anti-graft body, took place on April 11, 2017, while he was heading home after performing Fajr, or the dawn prayer, at a mosque near his house. The attack caused damage to his eyes, necessitating medical treatment in Jakarta and Singapore.

The two motorcyclists, reportedly behind the acid attack, managed to escape and are still at large. This retired police officer had joined the anti-graft agency in 2007 and since then had been frequently terrorized and attacked.

In 2012, Baswedan's motorcycle was badly mangled after being attacked by supporters of convicted Amran Batalipu, a former district head of Buol, in Central Sulawesi Province.

The case of acid attack on Baswedan fueled deep concerns among community members.

In January this year, for instance, several representatives of the alumni of Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology's (ITS) Civil Engineering Department visited the KPK office in Jakarta to voice their support to KPK's mission.

The ITS alumni urged the police to solve the Baswedan case. Related news: Idham Azis inducted as National Police Chief
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EDITED BY INE

Translator: Desca LN, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019