Above the Flaw

Something is not quite right in the succession of Indonesia's police chief position. Rumors, intrigue and noisy debates accompanying the selection of the police chief is a clear indication of this irregularity. Each candidate seem to be convinced of one thing: that political lobbying is more important than performance and powerful backing is needed to erase any blemish in past records.

Such irregularity is seen to be obstructing the selection of the most qualified top man in the police force. Unlike ministerial positions, the police chieflike the commander of the Indonesian Military (TNI)is not a political appoinee who can be picked from any segment of society. The law on the police states that a candidate seeking to become police chief must be an active senior officer and his rank and performance record must be the key considerations to his appointment.