The House of Representatives, which first appeared reluctant to discuss Badrodin's nomination, unanimously approved Badrodin's appointment on Thursday.

Badrodin pledged to bring solidity to the police force and to create better synergy with other law enforcement agencies, including the Attorney General's Office (AGO) and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

"We [the police] must unite and be ready to face future challenges," Badrodin said on the sidelines of his inauguration ceremony at the State Palace. "I will also make efforts to bring synergy with other state institutions, including other law enforcement bodies."

Coordinating Legal, Political and Security Affairs Minister Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno said the government hoped the new police chief could improve the police force'€™s performance.

"The [inauguration of the] new police chief has brought an end to the post being vacant," he said. "And now he can start to work to improve the police force."

In January, Jokowi dismissed former police chief Gen. Sutarman and postponed the inauguration of his proposed replacement, Comr. Gen. Budi Gunawan. Budi was declared a graft suspect by the KPK a day after Jokowi proposed Budi'€™s candidacy to the House of Representatives. Following that, Jokowi assigned Badrodin as acting police chief.

The nomination of Budi sparked public criticism and a standoff occurred between the police and the KPK after the latter declared him a graft suspect. The dismissal of Sutarman, who was set to retire in October this year, resulted in rumors of infighting within the force.

A month later, Jokowi canceled the nomination of Budi -- who had been endorsed by the House -- and instead nominated Badrodin as the new police chief candidate.

"I'd say the person who fits the position [of deputy] is the one who shares a similar vision with him [Badrodin] and wants to improve the police corps," he said after his inauguration.

Meanwhile, speculation that Budi might be endorsed as a deputy police chief candidate was still rife on Friday.

Tedjo said, however, that the decision to name candidates for the deputy chief post was in the hands of Badrodin and the Rank and Promotion Council for High Ranking Officers (Wanjakti), refusing to comment on whether Budi had a chance.

Badrodin, however, refused to confirm Budi's candidacy as his deputy chief, but said Wanjakti would soon start a selection process, before submitting any names of candidates to Jokowi, who would have the final say.

"It [Budi's candidacy] is merely part of input. There are considerations, not only public aspirations but also other elements that we need to consider, including internal aspects," he said.

State Secretary Pratikno said the President was taking a wait-and-see stance regarding deputy chief candidates, adding that the palace had yet to receive proposals from Wanjakti. (hhr)

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