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Indonesia appoints evangelical Christian as national police chief

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) –
Indonesia has appointed an evangelical Christian as its new national police chief, thwarting opposition from Islamic groups in the predominantly Muslim country, the Christian Post reports. Commissioner General Listyo Sigit Prabowo was sworn in on January 27. and is the first Christian to hold this post in 50 years.

Commissioner Listyo was the only national police chief candidate to be unanimously approved by the People’s Representative Council, the Christian Post said. Moreover, Listyo is understood to be a “close ally” of Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, who has been described as “Muslim but broadly secular in outlook.”

In statements about his new role, Listyo said that as police chief he plans to “promote diversity” and address intolerance and radicalism, the Christian Post reports. Listyo affirmed he wants “to create a trustworthy and transparent police, to be the protector of all citizens of the nation.” In particular, Listyo has advocated for increased discretion in the enforcement of Indonesia’s internet law on hate speech and defamation.

“The various experiences of the nation and the state so far will certainly be valuable lessons for all of us in the effort to continue police reform,” Listyo said. Additionally, Listyo, said, the police “will continue to carry out law enforcement efforts to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure public safety.”

Praising Listyo’s appointment, the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (CCI/PGI) said in a statement: “Prabowo’s religion did not play a role, what matters is his past achievements and successes, as well as his vision for the future of Indonesia as a democratic, free, but orderly country. His appointment shows that every citizen has the same rights to reach a position of leadership.”