Police Comr. Gen. Budi Waseso:
Go on, Question Me

Police Commissioner General Budi Waseso, currently chief of the National Narcotics Board (BNN) and former head of the National Police crime investigation unit (Bareskrim), has been issuing a challenge. He has asked that the Professional and Security Division (Propam) and Police Inspector for General Supervision (Irwasum) to immediately question him if they suspected him of something. "If you want investigate, don't do it just at the subordinate level," the general, who is also known as Buwas, told Tempo. Excerpts from last week's interview:

What caused the sudden commotion inside the National Police?

The Propam and Irwasum suddenly intervened. My personnel told me that they were all being faulted for doing their job. What was this about? I had already told the police chief, Pak Badrodin Haiti, that if mistakes were made, then it was the fault of the commander, not the subordinate, and the commander must take responsibility. Just fire me. Why are my men being punished, and for what reason? Some have been fired or had their schooling cancelled. This is ridiculous. I have repeatedly explained this to the police chief. The case that we handled is now in court. (The verdicts) are legally valid.