Police chief thanks House for endorsing Timur

National Police chief Gen. Bambang Hendarso Danuari lauded the House of Representatives’ legal commission on Friday for declaring Comr. Gen. Timur Pradopo eligible as his replacement.  

Bambang praised House Commission III on legal and human rights’ for its positive stance during Timur’s fit-and-proper test on Thursday.

“Thank God, the test went well and I really appreciate the Commission members for accepting (Timur’s nomination),” Bambang said Friday during his visit to Manokwari, West Papua, as quoted by Kompas.com.

Bambang said that he welcomed criticisms raised by some legislators, saying it was good input for the police institution. He hoped Timur could perform well in carrying out his upcoming duties.

During the interview, legislators from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the National Mandate Party (PAN) demanded that the police must remain independent and professional, respect diversity, fight against violence and settle the Bank Century case immediately.

After considerable anticipation, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono nominated Timur as the sole candidate to replace Bambang. Yudhoyono rejected two other potential candidates, general monitoring inspector Comr. Gen. Nanan Sukarna and training and education institutions chief Comr. Gen. Imam Sujarwo, who had earlier been proposed by Bambang.

Bambang will retire from his post at the end of this month.