TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Jokowi declines to comment on Budi Gunawan appointment
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo appeared reluctant on Monday to explain why he nominated Adj
Change Size
P
resident Joko "Jokowi" Widodo appeared reluctant on Monday to explain why he nominated Adj. Comr. Gen. Budi Gunawan to lead the National Police, a move that has been criticized by antigraft activists.
Jokowi also demurred when asked why did not consult with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) or the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) regarding Budi's nomination as he did when nominating Cabinet ministers.
"It was Kompolnas [National Police Commission] which gave me the recommendation. From that, we made a choice. Now, let us wait for the process at the House [of Representatives]," Jokowi said.
Many have said that by nominating Budi, Jokowi bowed to political pressure, as there were four three-star generals recommended by Kompolnas, the body with the authority to recommend police chief candidates to the President.
Budi is one of several police generals whose bank accounts the PPATK flagged in 2009 for potential problems.
Budi's wealth disclosure to the KPK in 2013 revealed assets of around Rp 22.6 billion (US$1.8 million), despite a monthly take-home pay of less than Rp 18 million as a three-star general.
Although the House has yet to review Budi's record, lawmakers have given early signs of approval, leading to increased opposition from antigraft activists.
Budi has apparently secured support from both the ruling Great Indonesia Coalition and the opposition Red-and-White Coalition.(+++)
