TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – President Joko Widodo has called on the public to be patient in awaiting his decision on whether he will install Comr. Gen. Budi Gunawan as the country’s top cop or find another candidate. Jokowi was also non-committal when asked about Budi’s preliminary hearing held at the South Jakarta District Court today.
“Be patient. The process is still afoot,” he said at the Pancasila Building at the Home Affairs Ministry complex on Monday, February 2, 2015.
Reporters also asked the president why he solicited opinions from multiple parties to determine Budi’s fate—including from the Presidential Advisory Council (Wantimpres), the Team of Nine, and the National Police Commission. “Why can’t I get opinions from them?” Jokowi said.
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Budi Gunawan as a suspect in an alleged gratification and bribery case. Budi was named a graft suspect only days prior to his fit-and-proper test at the House of Representatives as a prerequisite to become the National Police chief.
The public has been calling on the president to scrap the nomination of Budi as the country’s next police chief and replace him with another hopeful instead. The promotion process, however, is still on the move—with the House approving of Budi's ascension.
In response to the public calls, the president has formed the Team of Nine, which has suggested that he scrub Budi’s installation and find another suitable candidate.
MUHAMMAD MUHYIDDIN
