NEW INDONESIAN NATIONAL POLICE CHIEF NAMED

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 001729 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, S/CT, INL, INL/AAE, DS, DS/IP/EAP, DS/ATA NSC FOR E. PHU E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/11/2018 TAGS: PGOV PINS PREL ASEC ID SUBJECT: NEW INDONESIAN NATIONAL POLICE CHIEF NAMED Classified By: Pol/C Joseph L. Novak, reasons 1.4(b+d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: President Yudhoyono chose Bambang Hendarso Danuri to be the new Chief of the Indonesian National Police (INP) on September 10. Danuri is slated to replace General Sutanto at the end of September. He still needs to be confirmed by the Indonesian legislature, but that should not pose a problem. Like his predecessor, Danuri is considered reform-minded and experienced. Danuri also has worked closely with the USG to build up INP capabilities. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) CHANGING OF THE GUARD: The leadership of the Indonesian National Police (INP) is about to change. (Note: The INP with national law enforcement responsibilities ranging from the village-level to the capital city has over 300,000 personnel.) President Yudhoyono has forwarded Bambang Hendarso's Danuri's name, as the sole candidate, to the Indonesian legislature for confirmation. Danuri--who is currently head of the INP's Criminal Investigation Division--is reported to be close to current police Chief Sutanto. Sutanto is slated to retire when he reaches his mandatory retirement age on his birthday, September 30. Sutanto reportedly recommended Danuri as his replacement. ¶3. (C) POSITIVE REACTION: Media reports portray the choice of Danuri as highly positive and our contacts agree. Police studies scholar Bambang Widodo Umar told the press that Danuri would continue Sutanto,s legacy of being a "tough, reformist leader." Based on our soundings, Danuri has a clean reputation. ¶4. (C) SOLID COOPERATION WITH USG: Danuri has worked closely with the U.S. During his tenure as Chief of Criminal Investigations, Danuri spearheaded several major investigations. He worked closely with USG law enforcement officials on elements of the high-profile investigation into the 2004 murder of Indonesian human rights activist Munir Said Thalib, for example. He also worked on various major corruption investigations. Danuri also collaborated with DOJ/ICITAP to launch a two-year program to build the capabilities of police Criminal Investigation Divisions country-wide. Mission expects that in his new job Danuri will continue his record of cooperation with USG law enforcement agencies. ¶5. (C) Yudhoyono had reportedly wanted to keep Sutanto on through the 2009 legislative and presidential elections as a trusted ally. That would have required making an exception to the retirement rules. The President decided not to push it re Sutanto and to go with Danuri. ¶6. (C) POLITICAL CAREER NEXT? For his part, the departing Sutanto may have a political career ahead of him. Sutanto--who is not publicly affiliated with any political party at this time--will likely be approached by various parties to be a vice-presidential candidate in the 2009 elections. Former military and police officials with reformist credentials tend to do well with the Indonesian public, as Yudhoyono's example (as a former general) demonstrates. HUME