Erika Anindita Dewi, Jakarta – Gen. Badrodin Haiti officially handed over his position of National Police chief to Gen. Tito Karnavian during a transfer of office ceremony on Thursday.

"We're grateful that the succession tradition of the National Police chief took place smoothly. I hope this tradition will be maintained in the future," Badrodin said in his speech during the ceremony, held at the Police Academy's sports stadium in Jakarta.

Stability within the National Police was important so that the institution could face complex challenges, particularly to fulfil the hopes of the public, the police general added.

Badrodin expressed his opinion that Tito – the best graduate from the Police Academy's class of 1987 – could help the National Police to become a leading institution that was trusted by the people.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo swore in Tito, the former chief of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), at the State Palace on Wednesday.

Tito replaces Badrodin, who began his short tenure on April 17 last year, at the helm of the country's primary law enforcement institution.

Meanwhile, Tito said his appointment as National Police chief was a great mandate as he would take responsibility for meeting the demands of the public as well as ensuring that he worked according to the existing legal system. (bbn)Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/07/14/tito-takes-helm-of-national-police.html