Jokowi wants new anti-drug commander to implement KPK integrity standards

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo expects the newly inaugurated National Narcotics Agency (BNN) chief, Insp. Gen. Heru Winarko, to ensure the integrity standards of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) are implemented in the anti-drug body.

Heru, a former law enforcement deputy with the KPK, was sworn in at the State Palace in Jakarta on Thursday to replace Comr. Gen. Budi Waseso, who will retire in March.

Speaking to reporters after the inauguration, Jokowi said he wanted the anti-graft body's standards, including on governance, organizational management and integrity, to be implemented within the BNN.

"Integrity is the most important because the circulation of drugs, money and turnover [at the BNN] is huge. It is easy to tempt people to do bad things," Jokowi said at the State Palace on Thursday.

(Read also: Heru Winarko installed as new anti-drug chief)

The President went on to say that he expected the BNN to step up efforts to prevent the smuggling of drugs into the country and reduce the number of drug abusers, including by implementing better rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Heru said the standards implemented to revamp the anti-drug agency's performance would be gradually adjusted under his leadership, which is expected to begin after the handover ceremony with Budi on Monday next week.

However, when asked how the new standards would be implemented, including the issuance of new regulations, Heru said, "We will see." (ebf)