Police Comr. Gen. Budi Waseso : What unrest did I cause?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Police Comr. Gen. Budi Waseso was appointed to head the Crime Investigation Division at the National Police Headquarters last January 19 during an 'abnormal' situation. He was sworn in quietly, after his predecessor, Comr. Gen. Suhardi Alius was dismissed, as quietly. The Police at that time was under the spotlight: Police Chief Comr. Gen Budi Gunawan had been indicted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), an incident which was followed by a series of 'revenge' actions.

Budi Waseso then made his division as the launching pad for operations that worried anti-corruption activists. Not surprisingly, a petition addressed to President Joko Widodo asked that this police general be dismissed. It seems Budi Waseso's men had been over-eager in ordering the raids of places suspected of a crime. Budi himself led the raid on the office of state-owned Pelindo II CEO R.J. Lino's office.

Budi Waseso's recent dismissal is being seen 'abnormal', leading to speculations on his dismissal and his quick re-appointment, this time as chief of the National Narcotics Board (BNN) following the raid on the Pelindo II office. Tempo reporters Moyang Kasih Dewimerdeka and Syailendra persada interviewed Budi Waseso on two occasions last week. Excerpts:

You've been accused of creating unrest.

What unrest did I cause? I've only been doing my duty enforcing the law. If I'm seen as creating conflict, what's the basis?

Your dismissal came not long after the raid on the Pelindo II office?

Don't link the two. I'm the kind of person who never connects one problem to another. What's important to me is that I work well and I stick to the proper channels.

On August 25, President Joko Widodo gathered all law enforcers at the Bogor Palace. He asked them to be careful in acting against cases which could result on hindering the economy and development.

I know about the meeting, but what I have done so far has been according to procedure. Before I do anything, I'll study the case first. I will make my next move after I can hold on to something strong.

Are you worried that people will think you disobeyed the President's orders?

We waited for the Pelindo case to develop but after four months (of no activity) we decided to raid the place. This means the operation was carefully planned, we were not hurried. Everything was according to procedures. (One of Budi's assistants intervened to say that the suspected corruption at Pelindo II took place on August 27).

Is it true that Vice President Jusuf Kalla called you from Seoul, South Korea, after the Pelindo office raid?

The Vice President called me to find out what happened. So I told him the whole incident. I told him about the facts according to procedures. I said that law enforcement is law enforcement, that what I did was to save the country. Should we allow a crime to happen just because the place is a state-owned company? I asked Pak JK (Vice President Jusuf Kalla) to let us go, that I would be overseeing this case and I asked him to watch me.

You were reported to have pleaded for your case with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) leaders, to avoid being transferred elsewhere.

That's not likely. I'm a police soldier. I've never interacted here and there, let alone ask for help everywhere.

Why haven't any of your cases gone to court?

They're in the process. There are different stages. Some have been passed over to the Attorney General's Office.

If you had a choice, where would you like to be re-posted?

Anywhere. Buwas (Budi Waseso's nickname) will remain buas (fierce). (*)