Sutarman Can Work Together With Military: TNI Commander

Jakarta, Oct 18 (Antara) - Defense Forces (TNI) Commander General Moeldoko congratulated Police Commissioner General Sutarman on Friday on his being cleared for the post of national police chief. "First of all, I would like to congratulate him. I believe he can work together with TNI and I am sure of that," he said after signing the World Peace stamp series at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta. General Moeldoko admitted to his close relationship with the Head of the Crime Investigation Department of the National Police Command. "Personally, I have a close relationship with him and this will contribute in the execution of duties in the future," he said. The House of Representatives` Commission III approved Commissioner General Sutarman`s candidacy for national police chief on Thursday evening. He will succeed General Timur Pradopo to the post. "Nine political party factions approved Commissioner General Sutarman as the national police chief," said Commission Chairman Pieter Zulkifli before closing the review on Sutarman. In a statement, the Golkar Party faction said it backed Commissioner General Sutarman as the new national police chief in view of six criteria. "The first criterion is the new police chief must, in his first 100 days in office, be able to uncover cases of thuggery and settle the problem of motor-bike gangs to create a sense of security and peace. He must also settle anarchic cases as well as cases related to premeditated murders, narcotics, and terrorism," said party member Dading Ishak, while reading the faction`s statement. Second, the new police chief must continue the reform agenda within the police force, he stated. Third, he must be able to lead, protect, and guide the community and not become a mere ruler`s servant, he added. Fourth, he must be able to cooperate with other law enforcers in corruption eradication efforts and in resolving the Century Bank case, he said. "Fifth, the appointed police chief must be able to enforce the law without any discrimination and sixth, he must commit to remain neutral in and secure the implementation of the 2014 general elections," he stated. "In view of all these observations, the Golkar Party approved (the candidacy of) Commissioner General Sutarman as the new national police chief after General Timur Pradopo," he explained. Meanwhile, the ruling Democrat Party faction has deemed the Commissioner General fit to be accepted as the new national police chief, said its spokesman, Edi Ramli. "Considering his capability and eligibility, he is fit to become the national police chief and so his candidacy can proceed further," he said. General Timur Pradopo will retire in January next year. Sutarman was the sole candidate referred by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to the House of Representatives for review. His appointment is important in view of the country`s general elections next year.