Dicky Christanto, Jakarta – National Police chief Gen. Bambang Hendarso Danuri has used a major personnel rotation to promote several of his supporters to strategic and prestigious positions, an observer said.
"I noticed the names of several high officials who have questionable integrity, but still the National Police chief transferred them prestigious positions. It shows that this time personnel rotations were dedicated to those who have shown loyalty," Indonesian Police Watch representative Neta S. Pane told The Jakarta Post.
The only possible rationale behind the major personnel rotation was for Bambang to ensure stability at the end of his tenure, Neta said.
There were 556 personnel transfers at the National Police headquarters as of Friday, two-thirds of which involved mid-level officers. Five top officials at National Police headquarters and nine regional police chiefs were replaced.
As part of the shuffle, Central Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Alex Bambang Riatmojo will be replaced by National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Edward Aritonang. Brig. Gen. Iskandar Hasan will replace Edward.
A source close to the police said that originally Alex was not under consideration as part of the rotation. "Everything changed when Alex was involved in the soccer game incident. The National Police headquarters decided to replace him afterwards," the source said.
Alex had intervened in a recent soccer game in Surakarta, where he came to the field and asked that the referee be replaced.
However, the National Police denied the report. "The transfers are related to organizational needs and regular promotion programs. It did not have anything to do with [the game]," National Police deputy spokesman Sr. Comr. Ketut Untung Yoga Ana said.
Edward's promotion to Central Java Police chief was done in gratitude for the successful performance of his duties, another source said. "Besides he will retire soon, thus the promotion can be considered a farewell gift from the force," the source added.
Insp. Gen. Hadiatmoko will become Bali's new police chief, replacing Insp. Gen. Sutisna. Hadiatmoko's name first emerged after Sr. Comr. Wiliardi Wizard testified at the murder trial Antasari Azhar. Wiliardi said he was persuaded by Hadiatmoko to testify against the Corruption Eradication Commission former chief in exchange for administrative punishment and immunity from criminal prosecution.
Hadiatmoko previously denied Wiliardi's testimony, saying that it was baseless.
National Police Legal Assistance division head – and alleged holder of an implausibly large bank account – Insp. Gen. Badrodin Hati will be East Java's new police chief, replacing Insp. Gen. Supratiknya.
Two National Police chief deputies are also replaced. The current operational deputy Insp, Gen. SY Wenas, who will retire this year, will be replaced by Insp. Gen. Soenarko DA and Insp. Gen. Yudi Sus Haryanto become the new deputy for logistics, replacing Insp. Gen. Joko Sardono.