Palace Denies Issuance of Presidential Letter to Replace National Police Chief

The Indonesian Presidential Palace has denied rumors circulating in the public regarding the issuance of a "Presidential Letter" (Surpres) to replace the current National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. Minister Secretary of State, Prasetyo Hadi, stated at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta, "Well, first, responding to what is circulating in the public regarding the issue of a Presidential Letter for the replacement of the National Police Chief, we can convey that as of today, there is no or has not been a Presidential Letter for the replacement of the National Police Chief." Prasetyo also said that besides the Presidential Letter for the replacement of the National Police Chief, there has also been no Presidential Letter issued by President Prabowo for the appointment of a definitive candidate for the Governor of Bank Indonesia to replace Perry Warjiyo. He confirmed that no Presidential Letter has been sent to the House of Representatives (DPR) regarding this matter to date. "Because it is still in process, the President has been having many discussions, receiving many opinions, and seeking much input in recent times. At the appropriate time, in accordance with the established mechanism, it will be proposed to the DPR regarding the definitive candidate for the Governor of BI," he said. At the same time, Prasetyo also addressed the issue of a reshuffle of the "Merah Putih" Cabinet, stating that there are no plans for a reshuffle as of today. He mentioned that if a reshuffle were to occur, it would likely be to fill some vacant positions. "Perhaps the priority will be to fill positions that are currently vacant for some reason. For example, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, then the Deputy Minister of Investment," he said. The issue of a Presidential Letter for the replacement of the National Police Chief had surfaced recently. Listyo himself had previously commented on the existence of such a Presidential Letter, stating that the appointment of the National Police Chief is entirely the prerogative of President Prabowo Subianto, and he is ready to carry out any orders given by the president. Information Source: CNN Indonesia