Kontras Writes To House Over Sutiyoso's Nomination For BIN Chief

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Commission for Missing People and Victims of Violence (Kontras) has written to the House of Representatives (DPR) regarding the selection of Lt. Gen. (ret) Sutiyoso as a sole candidate for chief of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN).

"Kontras regrets President Joko Widodo's decision to appoint Lt. Gen. (ret) Sutiyoso as a sole candidate for the post of  chairman of the State Intelligence Agency," Kontras Coordinator Haris Azhar said in a press statement released on Wednesday.

For its part, Kontras has appealed to Commission I of DPR as a working partner of the government in the field of defense and foreign policy to check and reject the nomination of the former Jakarta governor for the post of BIN chief, he said.

Azhar said based on the intelligence law, BIN can give information to the President to make policies and has the authority to conduct intelligence coordination with other institutions.

"If BIN is chaired by a person who has controversial track record and is believed to have been involved in gross human rights violation, we fear that his leadership will be used as a means to nullify the legal process, disclose the truth and rehabilitate victims," he said.

Pesident Joko Widodo gave his assurance that he had taken into account Sutiyoso's competence and track record prior to appointing him as the chief of the BIN.

"I nominated former governor of Jakarta Sutiyoso for the post of the head of the BIN on the grounds that he has the required competence and a good track record," the President said.

Joko Widodo further noted that he had filed Sutiyoso's name for the position based on the consideration that his track record in the world of military and intelligence was good.

According to the President, Sutiyoso has adequate experience and competence to lead the BIN.

Meanwhile, BIN Chief  Lt. Gen. Marciano Norman said he is confident in Sutiyoso's ability to lead and strengthen the institution.

"I have no doubt in Sutiyoso's ability to lead the institution," Norman said on Tuesday.

Under Sutiyoso's leadership, he added, the agency will develop and become more advanced. (WDY)