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National Police deputy chief Comr. Gen. Nanan Soekarna has been under fire by politicians who question his position in many prestigious associations and clubs as they scrutinize his personal wealth and political ambitions.

In an exclusive interview, Nanan told the Jakarta Globe that he chaired the Indonesia Motorsports Association (IMI), the Indonesian Shooting and Hunting Association (Perbakin) and the Harley-Davidson Motorbike Riders’ Club (HDCI) but insisted it was not because he had too much time on his hands.

“I always try not to let it interfere with my work [as National Police deputy],” he said. “It is always outside my working hours, and [in these clubs] I am not working alone. I am more like a motivator for them, and they are closely linked to police work.”

His position at Perbakin, he said, allows police to impose tighter controls on arms circulation in the country, while his post at the IMI allows him to promote safe driving. As for the HDCI, he cited its reputation as a club for selfish drivers.

“On the road, [Harley drivers] use their horns and don’t pay attention to other road users. I go there and come with the ‘no complaint, no accident’ motto,” he said. “I am not doing this for the money. All of these organizations are nonprofit.”

Among the requirements to lead HDCI is owership of a Harley-Davidson motorbike.

“I have an old ‘84 Harley-Davidson,” he said. “I inherited [the motorbike]. How else can I afford one? My Harley is cheap and nobody wants it.”

The IMI, he said, is not limited to sports and classic cars.

“There are hundreds of clubs under the IMI. I personally reach out to clubs like the Vespa community or antique motor clubs,” he said, going on to poke fun at the idea of himself joining a luxury car club.

“Imagine a police officer joining a Lamborghini or Ferrari club; they would probably have him washing the car,” he said. “That’s as close as we’ll ever get.”

But Nanan is also listed as a patron member of the Lamborghini and Ferrari clubs.

“That doesn’t mean I have one,” he said. “Just check for yourself.”

His post at the IMI, he said, allows him to gain more public participation in law enforcement, including help with deterring car theft and accidents.

“I think all police officers should join clubs,” he said.

Trimedya Panjaitan, a member of House of Representatives Commission III, which oversees legal affairs, said last week that Nanan Soekarna had been mustering support from local dignitaries and potential campaign workers in preparation for a run at the governorship of West Java in 2013.

“To ensure the neutrality of the police, Nanan must state his intention to resign from his post immediately,” the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) lawmaker said.

Nanan, who is set to retire in July of next year, said he had no political ambitions.

“I was surprised my name was mentioned [as a gubernatorial candidate],” he said. “No party has approached me, nor have I approached them. Does this mean the PDI-P wants me to run? As for me, I am not interested.”