TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - National Police Chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti denied rumors saying that Comr. Gen. Budi Waseso had been hampering the country’s economic growth resulting in his removal from his position as Head of Criminal Investigations (Bareskrim).

Badrodin praised Budi Waseso’s performance during his terms of office. He asserted that Budi Waseso’s promotion had been planned earlier, instead of initiated by the State Palace.

“Budi Waseso showed excellent performance. That’s why we want him to serve different position,” Badrodin said at the State Palace on Friday, September 4, 2015.

Earlier, the National Police swapped Budi’s position with National Narcotics Agency head Anang Iskandar. Badrodin said that there was nothing irregular with the move since the two positions were filled by two officials from the same rank.

Badrodin expressed optimism that both Budi and Anang would work well in their new positions. As the new Head of Bareskrim, Badrodin added, Anang would also lead the narcotics division.

By promoting Budi Waseso to the National Narcotics Agency, Badrodin said the law enforcement would run smoothly. In addition to Anang, there was another candidate to be promoted as the Head of Bareskrim. However, Badrodin refused to reveal the name.

FAIZ NASHRILLAH