President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has sworn Comr. Gen. Tito Karnavian in as National Police chief. Tito replaces Gen. Badrodin Haiti at the helm of the country’s primary law enforcement institution.

"I want you to focus on two things: the first is to safeguard unity and the second is to build solidity," President Jokowi said to the newly appointed police chief during the inauguration ceremony at the State Palace on Wednesday.

Before assuming his new role, Tito led the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT). In the past, he was the chief of police in Jakarta and led the police’s counterterrorism unit, Densus 88.

President Jokowi said that with unity and solidity, the police would have a strong foundation to accomplish missions mandated by the nation and its people.

He added that the police should increase their professionalism in safeguarding the public by improving law enforcement, especially regarding extraordinary crimes like terrorism, drugs and corruption. (dan)