President may pick own choice of police chief candidate

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s failure to submit the name of National Police chief candidate to the House of Representatives until Friday has sparked speculation that he may pick his own choice.

Indonesia Police Watch chairman Neta S. Pane said on Friday the president could name a candidate other than National Police training institute head Comr. Gen. Imam Sujarwo and National Police general monitoring inspector Comr. Gen. Nanan Sukarna. The last two candidates were proposed by National Police chief Gen. Bambang Hendarso Danuri, who will retire on Oct. 10.

“There will be a new name. SBY is preparing an alternative as he does not feel comfortable enough with the two figures available,” Neta said as quoted by kompas.com.

He said the alternative figure was an officer who is experienced in leading the police institution, particularly provincial polices. Neta added that the officer was a two-star general, but would soon be promoted to a three-star general, replacing Security Affairs Division head Comr. Gen. Iman Haryatna.

"The information came from a friend from Cikeas. There will be a third candidate by the end of this month,” Neta said.

Cikeas refers to an area in Bogor regency, where the president’s private residence is located.

Presidential palace officials have said the president will propose a sole candidate for the police chief post to the House this week.