Indonesian police chief faces down president

Indonesians fear Wahid will declare a state of emergency

By John Raedler
CNN Bangkok Bureau

JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Embattled Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid -- facing impeachment proceedings -- suffered a serious setback Sunday when the nation's police force, backed by parliamentary leaders, rebuffed him.

More than 100 top police officers issued a statement Sunday backing General Surojo Bimantoro, their police chief, who was stripped of his duties by Wahid on Saturday. Among those endorsing Bimantoro: the man Wahid named to replace the chief.

Bimantoro refused to relinquish his position and claiming that only parliament could remove him. "I am still the police chief, there is no replacement," he said.

Bimantoro met Sunday with leaders of the various parliamentary factions and has the support of eight of the 10 factions.

IN-DEPTH Shadows over Indonesia   •  Indonesia's past and present leaders   •  Interactive Map   •  Timeline of the archipelago   •  The military: Men in uniform and in parliament   •  Discussion on Indonesia

"The national police chief must not be replaced for political interests or any other subjective interests without agreement from parliament," the parliamentary leaders said.

A spokesman for Wahid said the president's decision to relieve Bimantoro should be obeyed. "If not, there will be firm action," the spokesman said without elaborating.

President Wahid's problems worsened significantly last week when the parliament voted overwhelmingly to bring impeachment proceedings against him in the nation's highest body, the People's Consultative Assembly. He is accused of corruption and incompetence.

Proceedings are to start August 1.

A widespread fear here is that the president might declare a state of civil emergency, which would allow him to dissolve parliament and stave off the efforts to impeach him.

Local reports say Wahid tried to sack Bimantoro because the police chief refused to support the imposition of a state of emergency. Parliamentary leaders also are concerned Wahid might try to replace leaders in Indonesia's powerful military.