Urged To Resign, National Police Chief: Presidential Prerogative Rights, As Soldiers Are Ready Whenever

BOGOR - National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo emphasized that the issue of him being asked to resign from his position was entirely the prerogative of the President.

He emphasized that as a soldier, he is ready to carry out any decisions given by the head of state.

"Regarding issues related to the National Police Chief, it is the prerogative of the President. We are soldiers, whenever we are ready," said the National Police Chief at Kopi Koneng, Bojongkoneng, Bogor Regency, West Java, Saturday, August 30, as reported by Antara.

The National Police Chief conveyed this accompanied by the TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto after meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at his residence.

He emphasized that the main focus at this time is to carry out the President's mandate to maintain national security stability.

According to him, the situation that has developed in the last few days requires quick steps from the security forces, especially responding to demonstrations that often turn into anarchic actions.

"The President's directive is clear, the TNI-Polri are asked to immediately take firm steps against actions that cause public unrest," he said.

The National Police Chief added that the National Police remains committed to ensuring the people's right to express opinions as regulated in Law Number 9 of 1998. However, he emphasized the clear limit between peaceful actions and criminal acts.

"If demonstrations are carried out peacefully and orderly, it is the right of the community and we must secure them. But if it leads to destruction or arson, of course there will be law enforcement," he said.

He also emphasized that all police steps were carried out in a professional, transparent and accountable manner with the ultimate goal of protecting the interests of the wider community.

"What we are protecting is public security so that people can still feel safe and comfortable," said the National Police Chief.

The TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, who accompanied him, stated that the TNI and Polri were solidly carrying out the President's orders.

"We focus on maintaining peace and ensuring people feel safe," said the Commander.