REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Retired army lieutenant general Sutiyoso has responded lightly to all criticisms and doubts expressed about his capacity to lead the National Intelligence Agency (BIN) so far.

"There will be no heat without negative comments or expressions of rejection," he said after breaking his fast at the National Democratic Party (Nasdem) headquarters here on Saturday evening.

Sutiyoso, a former commander of the Jakarta military, was nominated by President Joko Widodo as the sole candidate for the post of the BIN chief to replace the current chief, whose term has ended.

Following his nomination, Sutiyoso, who is also a former governor of Jakarta, stepped down from the general chairmanship position of the Justice and Indonesia Unity Party (PKPI).

"I appointed Isran Noor to replace me and take over the post," he affirmed.

When asked about when he will sit for the fit and proper test to be conducted by the House of Representatives, Sutiyoso stated it will most likely be held between June 28 and 30.

He also remarked that he had made no special preparations for it.

Sutiyoso was among several other national figures seen at the fast-breaking function.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Nasdem Party Chief Surya Paloh, Chief of the People's Conscience (Hanura) Party Wiranto, and Chief of the Golkar Party of the Ancol Congress Agung Laksono were present, as well.

The event was also attended by several cabinet ministers, including Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno, Agrarian and Spatial Layout Minister Ferry Mursyidan Baldan, and Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya, who are all former Nasdem party figures.

Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Zulkifli Hasan, Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Setya Novanto, Attorney General H. M. Prasetyo and Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo also attended the event.

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