TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-A lawmaker of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Trimedya Panjaitan, has called on President Joko Widodo not to extend the term of Police Chief General Badrodin Haiti, citing rejuvenation of police personnel.
“There are still other generals. There is still Budi Gunawan and others,” Trimedya told Tempo yesterday, May 22, 2016. Police Deputy Chief Budi Gunawan had been nominated as new Police chief but was then canceled since the Corruption Eradication Commission named him as suspect in graft case.
Badrodin, 58, will enter retirement age on Juli 24. Recently, calls were made for the President to extend Badrodin’s term of office. Based on article 30 of Law No. 2/2002 on the National Police, police personnel with special expertise and are highly needed may get term extension to age 60.
Masinton Pasaribu, lawmaker of PDI Perjuangan faction, considered that Police is currently not in an emergency situation. “The President must elaborate on the special expertise possessed by Badrodin if he wants to extend his term of office,” he said.
Lawmaker of Hanura faction, Syarifuddin Sudding, considered that Badrodin has no expertise referring to article 4 paragraph 1 of Government Regulation No. 2/2003 on Dismissal of Police Personnel. “What is the expertise of Police Chief [Badrodin Haiti] according to the regulation?” he noted.
Police chief is appointed and dismissed by the President with the House’s approval. The parliament reserve the right to reject the President’s proposal in relation to Police chief nominee. Some parties do not share PDIP and Hanura’s views that question Badrodin’s term extension.
Gerindra Party and United Development Party (PPP) have even suggested for a continuation of Badrodin’s term of office. “During his tenure, Badrodin has been able to maintain public order,” said the House deputy speaker from Gerindra, Fadli Zon.
Asrul Sani, lawmaker of PPP faction, said that Badrodin may retain his Police chief post. “On expertise, he is an investigator and of course can investigate,” he said.
Presidential Palace spokesman Johan Budi Sapto Pribowo said a decision has not been made on either the term extension or replacement of Badrodin. “No decision yet on Police chief,” he said.
Two weeks ago, Badrodin cited the President’s prerogative on Police chief term extension. “I’m ready to retire. I also have no problem if I don’t retire [now].”
DEWI SUCI RAHAYU | AHMAD FAIZ | INGE KLARA SAFITRI | ISTMAN MP | HUSSEIN ABRI YUSUF | KODRAT
